A bitter maritime dispute between China and the Philippines over reefs and islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) will not be discussed during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit next week. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Monday to seek assurance that the contentious issues between Beijing and Manila will not be tackled during the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on November 18 and 19 to be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Charles Jose, Foreign affairs spokesman, said the Philippines agreed that the dispute will not be raised.

Valente, C. S., & Bauzon, B. C. V. (2015, November 11). Sea row off APEC agenda. The Manila Times, pp, A1, A2.