China's Xi says hopes Duterte's visit can fully improve ties

[BEIJING] Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday he hoped Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China could help fully improve ties and that the two countries could appropriately handle disputes.

Mr Duterte told Mr Xi during a meeting at China's Great Hall of the People that the roots of the two countries' bonds were deep and not easily severed.

The two sides are involved in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

REUTERS