Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said his recent visit to China was about economics and not security, as he sought to reassure Japan on an official visit to the country.

He also announced that Manila would “work closely with Tokyo on matters of regional concern”, such as the South China Sea dispute.

Last week in China, Duterte announced a ‘separation’ from the US, however, he insisted relations were not being broken but simply that he was seeking to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Duterte’s statements create a headache for Japan which has strengthened ties with Washington, while also building up relations in Southeast Asia to counter China’s rising status.