President Benigno Aquino III and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose countries are embroiled in a territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, will be seated together during the gathering of world leaders in Manila, according to the organizers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Manila. Apec National organizing council head Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. said it is a customary seating arrangement that the two leaders will have a chance to meet briefly and have an opportunity to exchange pleasantries. Paynor said that the Aquino-Xi meeting is possible due to the so-called troika, “a normal practice among Apec economies” hosting the summit.

Barcelo, V. (2015, November 13). Rare meet for PH, China leaders. Manila Standard, p. A5.