An expected visit to China by a special envoy from the Philippines will offer direct channels for improving icy ties between the countries, but neither side should harbor hopes of an instant breakthrough, experts said on Thursday.

New Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that former president Fidel Ramos will visit China as a special envoy. He did not give a date for the trip.

Ramos, 88, served as Philippine president from 1992 to 1998 and has maintained good personal ties with China.