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.