Aquino's China visit 'first step' in easing tensions

BEIJING - Philippine President Benigno Aquino's visit to China helped to ease tensions in bilateral relations with boosted trade and cultural ties, but analysts said that the maritime dispute in the South China Sea is unlikely to be resolved by a single state visit.

Wrapping up a five-day visit to China, Aquino returned to Manila on Saturday evening with a large number of cooperation deals and an agreement to peacefully settle disputes in the South China Sea.

But as hopes rose that Aquino's visit would ease tensions following the Philippine military chief stressed that Manila would continue to build its military capability, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.