Philippines president to visit China

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will pay a state visit to China from October 18 to 21 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said on Wednesday.

During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern, Xinhua news agency reported.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes and promote bilateral relations, Geng said.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.