President Aquino to visit China despite Spratlys row

President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday he would go ahead with a trip to China this year despite heightened tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Mr. Aquino said that during his visit he would focus on trying to resolve disputes over the strategic waters.

“It will happen this year, barring any unforeseen circumstances,” he told reporters.

“For me, it is important to talk to everyone, especially the other side. Maybe we can reach an agreement. After all, we cannot just ignore this matter when people’s lives may be at stake,” Mr. Aquino said.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said last week he would travel to China to help prepare for the president’s visit, for which a date has not yet been set.

The Philippines and China, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan, all claim all or part of the South China Sea, particularly the Spratlys, a chain of islets in the area that are believed to sit on vast mineral resources.

Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions there. AFP