September 23, 2016

"China expects an early visit by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the two countries are in close communication over the issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

According to media reports, Duterte is planning separate visits to China and Japan next month, which will be his first trips outside southeast Asia since assuming office on June 30.

In response to a question that whether the China-Philippine disputes on South China Sea will affect the visit, the spokesman Lu Kang told a routine press briefing that as long as the two sides have the will to settle their disputes through consultation, there are no difficulties that can not be overcome."

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