BEIJING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday expressed condolences to the Philippines for casualties and property loss caused by Typhoon Mangkhut.

"We pay close attention to the move of the super Typhoon Mangkhut," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang. The typhoon had ravaged the northern Philippines before it slammed south China's Hong Kong and Guangdong with strong winds and heavy rain on Sunday.

Considering that the Philippine government was making efforts in the disaster relief work, and in line with the suggestion by the Philippine side, China agreed to postpone a visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Philippines, which was originally scheduled on Sept. 16-17, said Geng.

He said the two sides will discuss new date for the visit through diplomatic channels.

The Chinese side also expressed the hope that the people in the Philippines' disaster-stricken areas will be able to deal with the aftermath of the typhoon, minimize the loss, and restore normal life, Geng said, noting that China will provide assistance to the Philippines.