RP, Vietnam begin Spratlys research

RP, Vietnam begin Spratlys research

MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos told Philippine and Vietnamese scientists yesterday he hoped their joint marine research in the South China Sea would help defuse tension in the Spratly Islands.

Ramos gave the scientists a ceremonial send-off at the Malacanang presidential palace on the eve of the start of their 10-day scientific cruise to study the marine environment and resources in the South China Sea.

"I welcome this marine research project both as a confidence- building measure and as a beginning of strong linkages not only between our scientific communities but among the marine scientists in the region," Ramos said.

Diplomats have described the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea as potentially Southeast Asia's next flashpoint because of rival claims to the area by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.