Ramos reaches out to China with golf

Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos started a five-day trip to Hong Kong on Monday to meet "old friends" and rekindle bilateral ties jeopardized by maritime disputes.

The visit is a first step in the improvement of bilateral ties. Experts said it should not come with high expectations as it is difficult for the two sides to agree on the South China Sea.

Speaking with reporters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before his departure on Monday, Ramos said that he will not negotiate with Chinese officials on the maritime territorial dispute but rather engage in friendly relations and "play golf" with them, according to Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV.