BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will visit the Philippines and attend a series of high-level meetings, including the 12th East Asia Summit (EAS) on Nov. 12-16 in the country, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Monday.

"Premier Li Keqiang will visit Manila to attend the 20th China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 20th ASEAN-China, Japan and Republic of Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting and the 12th East Asia Summit from Nov. 12-16. In addition, he will pay an official visit to the Philippines," said Hua.

Premier Li's tour is invited by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and China sincerely hopes Premier Li's visit will promote the development of China-ASEAN relations and boost the regional cooperation of East Asia to a new stage.

"We expect the series of leaders' meetings including the East Asia Summit will focus on development and cooperation, and further advance economic development and pragmatic cooperation in various sectors including society, culture and non-traditional security. These will send a positive signal that East Asian countries seek common development and meet common challenges. We believe Premier Li Keqiang's attendance at the series of leaders' meetings will be of great significance to build China-ASEAN relations at a higher level, construct China-ASEAN community of shared future with closer ties and promote regional cooperation in East Asia to a new height," said Hua.