Cancel visit, China tells Philippine's president

BEIJING: Philippine President Benigno Aquino's visit to China has called off amid sharp differences between the two countries over ownership of South China Sea islands.

The Philippine foreign ministry said it was the host who asked Aquino not to make the trip.

"The president has decided not to proceed ... taking into consideration China's request for the president to visit China at a more conducive time," foreign affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

Asked why China made such a request, he said, "Maybe you can ask China." There was no immediate comment from the Chinese foreign ministry.

Aquino was due to attend the China-ASEAN Expo where Philippines is the country of honor in Nanjing on September 3.The president had confirmed last Wednesday that he would be visiting because it was important for mutual trade.

China is sore over recent assurances given to Philippines by the United States concerning the island dispute.