China has suggested that it is open to any form of communication with the Philippines after the South China Sea arbitration case caused a breakdown in bilateral ties.

The suggestion comes just days after former Philippine President Fidel Ramos arrived in Hong Kong, widely expected to pave the way for talks with Beijing.

Ramos had been designated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as a special envoy for negotiations over the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Ramos would have private communications with his old Chinese friends during his stay in Hong Kong.

She noted China welcomes an early Beijing visit by Ramos as Philippine President’s special envoy.

Ramos has said his job is not to negotiate, but to break the ice and rekindle the friendship between the two sides.