Improved relations between China and the Philippines are in sight through deeper people-to-people engagement, according to former Philippine president Fidel Ramos, who has urged the countries' leaders to meet soon.

Relations could improve in the coming year, the 88-year-old told China Daily, as he urged the countries to promote more interaction among young people in areas such as education, art and music.

Rodrigo Duterte, the new president of the Philippines, has proposed opening bilateral talks with China after the ongoing arbitration tribunal announces its ruling on the South China Sea disputes. Ramos said the countries had continued talks through various informal channels despite the recent turbulence in diplomatic ties.