Vietnam, Philippines eye alliance on Spratlys row

President Benigno Aquino escorts Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang during the arrival honors Wednesday at the Malacañang Palace in Manila. AP

MANILA, Philippines—An official said talks between the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam will focus on long-simmering territorial disputes over the Spratlys Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said President Truong Tan Sang’s state visit to Manila will be highlighted by meetings Wednesday with President Benigno Aquino III that will be aimed at ensuring the peaceful resolution of the conflicts based on international law.

Vietnam and the Philippines are among six countries that claim all or parts of the sea and its islands as their own. China claims the sea in its entirety and opposes talks on the subject that involve more than one other country.

Vietnam and the Philippines would like to see other countries such as the United States involved in talks.