In his meeting with Premier Zhu Rongji, Alfonso Yuchengco, the Philippine president's special envoy, stressed that his country wishes to strengthen friendly ties with China.

During yesterday's meeting, Zhu expressed his hope that the Philippines will respect the friendship that has grown up between the two nations and not take any actions that might complicate resolution of the current conflict .

In recent years the Philippines has claimed control over China's Huang Yan Island, saying it lies within the nation's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

China has stated that Huang Yan Island has been Chinese territory since ancient times and that it has never been within the territorial limits of the Philippines.

The Chinese side has pointed to a series of treaties on delimitation of Philippine territory which indicate the demarcation line for the Philippines' western border is at 118 degree east longitude. They further noted that Huang Yan Island, a component of China's Zhongsha Islands, lies to the west of that line.

A map published by the Philippine government also clearly indicates that Huang Yan Island is not within the country's territorial limits.

Yuchengco yesterday reflected the positive attitude being adopted by the new administration in the Philippines when he reiterated that the nation hopes to strengthen co-operation with China in accordance with a joint communique issued by the two countries last year.

The envoy added that his country will promote the formulation of a code of conduct for activities in the South China Sea.

On the development of bilateral relations, Zhu said China is willing to work with the Philippines on the expansion of co-operation, especially in the fields of economics and agriculture.

Yuchengco responded by saying his country will adhere to the one-China policy and support China's entry into the World Trade Organization.

(China Daily 03/30/2001)