Li open to Philippines cooperation

China is willing to hold detailed discussions and formulate ways to cooperate with the Philippines for the next five to 10 years, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.

"By doing so, this is also sending out a message to the peoples of the two countries as well as the international community that the China-Philippine relationship will continuously grow strong moving forward and people-to-people friendship between us will be further strengthened," he said.

Li made the remark at a news conference joined by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the Presidential Palace in Manila after the two leaders met for talks on Wednesday afternoon. A welcoming ceremony was held by Duterte at the palace before the talks.