Philippine defenseminister to visit China this year 30-09-04
Philippine defense minister to visit China this year 09/30 2:56:40 PM

MANILA (AFP) - Philippine Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz said Thursday he would push for closer military and defense ties with China when he visits Beijing later this year.

Cruz said he would formulate a "mechanism for dialogue and consultations" with his Chinese counterpart to include possible military training and prevention of conflicts.

"The target date (for the visit) is November but we are working on the definite schedule," Cruz told reporters.

China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam claim in whole or in part the Spratlys chain of islands and atolls in the South China Sea. Last month China and the Philippines agreed to carry out a joint study of the mineral reserves in the area.

Armed forces chief General Narciso Abaya, who has just returned from a trip to China, said its military wants to broaden its engagement with the Philippines.

"They are proposing more exchange visits, they are proposing a consultation mechanism in cases where there are issues common to both countries that have to be resolved," Abaya told reporters late Wednesday.

The Chinese are also pushing for stronger cooperation on terrorism, he said.


Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi

by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl101084.htm