Controversial Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has toured Australia's largest warship and thanked the Australian Defence Force for "showing solidarity" in his nation's fight against Islamic terrorists.

Speaking on board HMAS Adelaide while wearing a Royal Australian Navy cap, the outspoken Filipino leader also warned of the threat posed by North Korea, and observed China may be the "only monkey wrench" in the "violent plans" of dictator Kim Jong-un.

"You have to keep watch over him, and it is always good to be prepared," Mr Duterte told assembled Australian military personnel, including Defence Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

"China appears to be the only monkey wrench in the violent plans of Jung … Kim Un … Un … Un-jung… I can't even pronounce the goddamn stupid name."

HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Darwin are in Manila for a five-day goodwill visit as part of large deployment by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen ties with countries in the region.

The Philippines President toured HMAS Adelaide, Australia's largest warship. ( Reuters: Romeo Ranoco )

The Manila stopover comes four months after the Royal Australian Air Force began surveillance flights over the southern Philippines to help the country's armed forces in their fight against Islamic State affiliated militants in Marawi.

In August Foreign Minister Julie Bishop also offered to send Australian troops to help train the Philippines army.

During his remarks on board HMAS Adelaide, Mr Duterte said the Philippines was "suffering from a severe case of terrorism", but was hopeful of an imminent victory.

"We're coping … we also hope it will be finished in about one week," he said, referring to the Marawi City clashes that have raged for more than 140 days.

Amanda Gorely (7th L front row) welcomed Rodrigo Duterte (6th L front row) on board. ( Reuters: Romeo Ranoco )

The Philippines President was welcomed on board HMAS Adelaide by Australian ambassador Amanda Gorely and Australia's assistant defence attache Gideon Scrimgeour.

"I am pleased to welcome President Duterte to HMAS Adelaide. Both our countries have a strategic interest in ensuring maritime security and maintaining a stable region," Ms Gorely said.

The ambassador also reiterated the Federal Government's assurance that Australian forces would not be deployed to the southern Philippines where intense fighting is continuing.

"We'd like to make it clear that there will be no Australian military troops on the ground and there won't be boots on the ground in Mindanao or in the Marawi area," she told reporters.