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.