China said on Monday that the upcoming visit by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III is believed to promote the further development of bilateral relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu made the remarks in regard to Aquino's upcoming state visit scheduled for Aug. 30 to Sep. 3.

During his first visit to China since taking office, Aquino will participate in talks and meetings with Chinese leaders to discuss bilateral relations, exchanges and cooperation in all areas, and to strengthen the two countries' coordination in regional and international affairs.

The two sides will also sign several deals covering cooperation in trade, culture and media, according to Ma.

"The Chinese government always attaches importance to the good-neighborly relationship of cooperation with the Philippines, our neighbor and a member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," Ma said.

He hailed the development of China-Philippines relations and their "positive and productive cooperation and exchanges" in trade, culture, law enforcement and defense affairs.

"Facts proved that the sound and stable development of China-Philippines relations is in the long-term and fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples, and is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity," Ma said.

Ma said China is ready to work with the Philippines to promote a bilateral strategic relationship of cooperation to score new achievements.

Aquino will come as the guest of his Chinese counterpart, President Hu Jintao.