China, RP discuss Mischief Reef

China, RP discuss Mischief Reef

MANILA (AFP): China's visiting deputy military chief, Lt.
Gen. Xiong Guangkai, yesterday sought to allay fears of an armed
confrontation over the disputed Spratly islands, Philippine armed
forces chief Gen. Arturo Enrile said.

Xiong also sought to assure Enrile of Beijing's intentions on
Mischief Reef, a Philippine-claimed territory in the Spratlys
occupied by China early last year, the Filipino official told
reporters.

The deputy chief of the Chinese armed forces arrived in Manila
on Thursday along with four other top generals for a three-day
visit. He is the highest-ranking Chinese military official to
visit Manila in recent years.

Philippine military sources said the trip is part of an Asian
swing aimed at assuaging fears over China's military ambitions
following its live-fire and missile exercises in the Taiwan
Strait in March.

They are scheduled to visit Indonesia, New Zealand and
Australia, the sources added.