Philippines open to joint war drills with China: Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference after concluding the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, Philippines April 29, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday that he is open to the idea of conducting joint military exercises with China.

"I agree (to the idea). They can have joint exercise(s) here in Mindanao, maybe in the Sulu Sea," Duterte told reporters after visiting the Chinese warship docked in Davao City wharf.

Duterte said he was very impressed by the Chinese warship. "It's very impressive. It's all carpeted. It's so beautiful. Inside, it's like a luxury hotel," he told reporters, "It's clean!"

He said the visit to the warship is part of the confidence building and good will between Manila and Beijing.

A Chinese naval fleet has begun a three-day friendly visit after arriving Sunday at Davao City in the southeastern region of The Philippines.