The Latest: China says Duterte's visit restores trust

FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2016 file photo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during his address to a Filipino business sector in suburban Pasay city south of Manila, Philippines. This week's visit to China by Duterte points toward a restoration of trust between the sides following recent tensions over their South China Sea territorial dispute, China's official news agency said Tuesday, Oct. 18. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 file photo, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a ceremony where he was decorated with The Great Cross of the Andes Condor by Bolivia's president in La Paz, Bolivia as part of his tour of Latin America. Wang Yi says no "foreign force" can stand in the way of progress in the long-neglected relationship between China and the Philippines. Speaking in Beijing on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Wang praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who visit to China Tuesday, for working to improve ties and for returning to "the track of dialogue and cooperation." Wang said: "This reflects the wish of the Philippine people, and is in line with the Philippines' national interest. No foreign force can stand in the way of such process." (AP Photo/Juan Karita, File) (The Associated Press)

BEIJING – The Latest on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China (all times local):

3:10 p.m.

China's state news agency says this week's visit by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte points toward a restoration of trust between the sides following recent tensions over their South China Sea territorial dispute.

Xinhua News Agency says Duterte's arrival on Tuesday will be a step toward ending years of estrangement between the countries.

Duterte has said he wants to reduce contacts with treaty ally the U.S. in favor of closer ties with China.

Xinhua said in a commentary Tuesday that Duterte's visit shows the "bad blood between Beijing and Manila has finally begun to give place to good faith."

It said a Hague-based international arbitration panel's July ruling that denied China's claims in the South China Sea had no bearing on discussions between the sides.