Philippine President May Visit China, Japan Next Month

Philippine diplomats are in talks with Japan and China to arrange visits to the two countries for President Rodrigo Duterte next month.

President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: Reuters.

Reuters quoted Manila officials today as saying that the specific timing of the visits is still being discussed by both sides.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed the information, while the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not confirm it but reiterated the invitation to Mr.Duterte to visit Beijing "at the earliest possible date".

Relations between the Philippines and Japan remain warm and Tokyo has just agreed to provide 10 patrol boats to Manila to boost its maritime capabilities.

Meanwhile, relations between the Philippines and China are not very smooth due to the sovereignty dispute in the East Sea.PresidentDuterte said he does not support conflict between the two countries and wants to rebuild relations with Beijing.

Grandfatheraffirms that it will comply with the international arbitration court's ruling on China's "nine-dash line" claim in the East Sea but will seek to resolve the four-year dispute with Beijing over the shoal.Scarborough.

In a statement yesterday, heDutertealso said he would visit China this year but did not reveal details. "You will see me often," he told Chinese businessmen.

According to VNE