MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A senior official said Friday China wants to improve relations with the Philippines following a strain in relations over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying made the comments in a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III. A Philippine statement said she carried a message from President Hu Jintao that China places great importance on its friendship with the Philippines and wants to move relations forward. Ties have been strained following a standoff early this year at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Philippine ships have subsequently pulled out of Scarborough Shoal. Chinese vessels have been in and out of the shoal.
China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have claims to South China Sea islands and waters that are believed to be rich in gas and oil and straddle busy shipping routes.
