41.   They also agreed on using dialogue to settle the Spratly islands issue.

42.   It likewise pointed out that Manila has confronted powerful China over a dispute in the Spratly islands in the South China Sea.

43.   Manila and Beijing are among six claimants to the potentially oil-rich Spratly islands in the South China Sea along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

44.   Manila denies that the modernization is a reaction to the discovery last month that Chinese forces had occupied a reef in the disputed Spratly islands claimed by the Philippines.

45.   Patag and Kota are among eight Spratly islands garrisoned by Philippine troops.

46.   Philippine President Fidel Ramos and Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian agreed Wednesday to improve measures to address their dispute over the Spratly islands and vowed to strengthen bilateral ties.

47.   Philippine troops now occupy eight Spratly islands claimed by Manila, which it collectively calls the Kalayaan islands.

48.   Preparations for talks between the Philippines and China over the disputed Spratly islands were clouded Sunday by new accusations that China is encroaching on territory claimed by Manila.

49.   Philippine President Fidel Ramos said Saturday relations with China would remain strained until a row over a reef in the disputed Spratly islands is resolved.

50.   Philippine military officials on Thursday admitted to helplessness in guarding against poachers in the disputed Spratly islands, as five more Chinese boats were spotted in the area.