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MANILA, Philippines?(UPDATE) President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said the country has been in the process of the restoring its good relations with China that he chose to let pass a communication that was practically dictating what the Philippine government should do in connection with the hostage crisis aftermath.
He confirmed that he got a letter from China in the aftermath of the August 23 hostage tragedy at the Quirino Grandstand. While he initially did not divulge its contents, he later revealed that the letter, which was addressed directly to him, was ?in minute details.?
?We were being told what to do,? Mr. Aquino said.
It was not clear when Beijing sent the letter to Manila. But Chinese Ambassador Liu Janchao paid a courtesy call to President Aquino on Wednesday at the Palace.
Palace officials declined to say what transpired in the meeting between the two officials, only saying it was ?confidential,? but the Chinese ambassador issued a statement on that meeting (See related story.)
It was the second time President Aquino and Liu met after the August 23 hostage drama.
President Aquino said he has already issued a formal apology to the people of Hong Kong but the letter has yet to be delivered. He said the high-level delegation of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo has been on standby for a trip to Hong Kong soon.
Hong Kong wants the delegation to also bring with it the results of the Philippine investigation into the hostage crisis.
