Noy names new Phl ambassador to China

MANILA, Philippines - A new Philippine ambassador to China in the person of Foreign Affairs undersecretary for policy Erlinda Basilio will represent the country on the South China Sea territorial dispute after President Benigno Aquino III appointed her on Wednesday.

Basilio, a 68-year-old veteran career diplomat, replaced former Ambassador Sonia Brady who suffered from stroke last August in Beijing.

Aquino said the appointment was based on a recommendation by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario who cited Basilio's "wealth of experience" that shows promise in conducting relations with China.

"The high recommendations by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs ... given that she’s already a senior undersecretary sends a signal of how important our relations are with China and how serious we are in trying to achieve an understanding with them,” Aquino said at the League of Municipalities assembly.

The president added that he would submit Basilio's name to the Commission on Appointments, which in turn will confirm the post.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bestowed Basilio with the Order of Lakandula, one of the highest honors given by the republic, in 2007 for her political and civic contributions.

Basilio was also the former ambassador of the Philippines to Sweden for seven years until 2003.