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.