Aquino refuses to back off island claim

Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Monday refused to back off his country's claim over China's Huangyan Island, asking his nation to "speak with one voice" on the issue and announcing plans to upgrade military capabilities.

He also said there are no simple solutions to the difficult situation, adding that the Philippine government is consulting experts and leaders to find a resolution "acceptable to all".

Although the president's remarks over Huangyan Island showed resolve and did not rule out the possibility of a diplomatic resolution, analysts said Beijing should beware of Manila's persistent drive to resort to multilateral mechanisms to complicate the situation.