DFA chief's visit to China may ease Spratlys dispute — Palace

The upcoming visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario to China may ease the ongoing territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands, a Malacañang official said Saturday. “We’re hoping the visit of Secretary Del Rosario will help facilitate diplomatic means sa pag-resolve ng problemang ito," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. Valte pointed out that all parties to the tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) “repeatedly said they want to settle the matter diplomatically and peacefully."

Del Rosario is set to visit China from July 7 to 9 through the invitation of his counterpart, Yang Jiechi. “I’ve been invited to Beijing and we’re looking for peaceful means to settle the challenges facing us," the Foreign Affairs secretary had said earlier. The Philippines and China recently traded barbs over the Spratlys following some encounters in the area. However, both sides have claimed they want a peaceful solution to the row. Aside from the Philippines and China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam also lay claim to the islands. — JE, GMA News