China envoy to attend Palace rites

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao has confirmed his attendance at the Independence Day vin d’honneur in Malacañang, President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said yesterday.

The envoy last week called on claimant-countries of the Spratlys, including the Philippines and China, to stop exploration in the disputed islands without Chinese permission.

“There may be irritants but there are areas where we continue to have close [ties] with China,” Communications and Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang said in an interview.

“Our relations, in general, are still good,” he said. Norman Bordadora