Full coverage: The South China Sea Issue

China says it is communicating with the Philippines over fishing in a disputed area of the South China Sea, after President Rodrigo Duterte's visit in Beijing. 

"The relationship between China and the Philippines has entered a stage of improvement. Under these circumstances, it's very likely that the two sides will return to managing differences through negotiation and focusing on cooperation. During President Duterte's visit, our two leaders discussed the issue of  fishing cooperation, including fishing industry cooperation in the South China Sea. What I can tell you is that both sides are in communication over this issue," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang.