Aquino, Hu to meet at APEC

Philippines President Benigno Aquino III smiles after he arrived at the airport for the APEC summit in Vladivostok, Russia, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ top diplomat says President Benigno Aquino III and his Chinese counterpart will hold talks on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in Russia that could cover their countries’ territorial disputes.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in Vladivostok, Russia, on Saturday that the time and date of Aquino’s meeting with President Hu Jintao had not been finalized.

The two leaders are attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Philippine and Chinese ships were locked in a standoff for about three months at a shoal in the South China Sea after Philippine authorities accosted Chinese fishermen for alleged poaching. Both countries claim the rich fishing grounds.

Philippine ships left the area in June due to bad weather, but del Rosario has said they may return when the weather clears.