Beijing, Manila to promote more trade

Before Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening for his four-day state visit, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed that Beijing and Manila were "actively preparing" for further economic and trade cooperation.

The potential outcomes "will be tangible", and will include expanded imports of fruits from the Philippines, Ministry of Commerce spokesman Shen Danyang told a regular news conference in Beijing.

The Philippines is currently the largest supplier of bananas to China, accounting for 82 percent of the country's banana imports. It also provides 70 percent of China's pineapple imports.