RP seeks support from Asia

RP seeks support from Asia

MANILA (DPA): Philippine President Joseph Estrada said on Friday he would enlist the support of other Asian nations in pressing China to stop construction work on a disputed South China Sea reef.

Estrada is scheduled to meet President Jiang Zemin when he attends the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur. The Chinese incursion on Mischief Reef in the Spratly islands is likely to be a priority.

Estrada said other claimants to small islands and outcrops in the Spratlys should also support Manila's stand.

The Spratlys, believed to be rich in oil and gas in addition to straddling key shipping lanes, are claimed wholly or in part by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, all represented at the summit in addition to 15 other countries.