MANILA: The Philippines Friday urged China to be a “responsible” power, while expressing concern again over the Asian giant's increasing assertiveness in disputed waters. Tensions in the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam voicing alarm at what they say are increasingly forceful Chinese actions there. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said he did not expect rival sea claims to lead to armed conflict but he planned to visit China next week to discussing the dispute. “We're counting on China's rise and growth and progress as being a responsible one,” del Rosario told reporters.“I have been invited to go to Beijing and I'm sure we will be looking for peaceful means to be able to settle the challenges that appear to be facing us.” Del Rosario said his trip to China was tentatively set for July 7-9, although the dates had yet to be confirmed. He said he did not know why China had suddenly become more aggressive. “I can only speculate that there appears to be some finding of significant natural gas deposits in the area,” he said.
