Chinese authorities have again reiterated that they welcome a visit by Phillipine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks.

"China has already said several times that it welcomes President Duterte to visit China at an early date. The two sides are in close consultations over it."

It's reported the Philippine president will pay visits to China and Japan next month.

The visit is expected as China and the Philippines are trying to find a way to break the ice following an disputed ruling over the South China Sea.

Duterte has repeatedly said conflict was pointless, and that he wants to get along and do business with Beijing.

During a speech on Thursday, Duterte said he would go to China this year, without elaborating.