Li Peng set to visit RP Sept. 12-15

China’s National People’s Congress chairman Li Peng is to visit the country next week for talks with leaders here and to address a meeting of Asian lawmakers, the Chinese embassy said yesterday.

Li is to "meet the state leaders of the Philippines, exchange views with them extensively on the bilateral relations as well as international and regional situations" during the September 12-15 visit, a statement said.

The embassy said Li was invited by Speaker Jose de Venecia, who asked the Chinese official to attend the third meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace in Manila.

The two countries have rival claims on the Spratly islands and the Scarborough shoal, both in the South China Sea.

On August 31 government troops detained 14 Chinese fishermen who said they were taking shelter at the shoal.

Last month, the Philippines barred Taiwanese Vice President Annette Lu from making a stopover after a controversial visit to Indonesia.

Manila’s action was designed to ensure that Li would pursue his planned visit to Manila, according to Foreign Undersecretary Lauro Baja. Manila recognizes Beijing and regards Taiwan as part of China. – AFP