Aquino thanks Chinese president for coming to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - True to his promise that he will be a hospitable host, President Benigno Aquino III welcomed China President Xi Jinping to Manila on Wednesday.

Aquino greeted Xi and other leaders during the formal opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' plenary session at the Philippine International Convention Center.

"Welcome, President Xi! Thank you for coming to Manila and attending the APEC meeting," Aquino told the Chinese leader, according to Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

Aquino then gestured for Xi to join the other leaders, Coloma said.

Xi graced the APEC summit in Manila amid strained relations due to the West Philippine Sea dispute.

Earlier on Wednesday, Aquino discussed the issue with United States Barack Obama, who said that China should stop its land reclamation and construction activities in the contested waters.

Aquino and Obama renewed their call for the resolution of the sea dispute through peaceful mans like the arbitration process initiated by the Philippines.