Estrada vexed by Taiwan flag-raising

Estrada vexed by Taiwan flag-raising

MANILA (AFP): Philippines President Joseph Estrada said on Monday Taiwan frigates should not have unfurled the nationalist flag when they docked in Manila as he sought to soothe China's anger over the incident.

Estrada said lack of coordination among government agencies led to the incident, which Beijing said violated the Philippines' policy of recognizing only one China.

He also ordered a review of guidelines on future visits by Taiwan ships to the Philippines following a meeting with Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon, the presidential palace said.

Two Taiwan frigates and a navy oil tanker docked at Manila's South Harbor on Friday with flags unfurled, which sparked an angry reaction from China.