Philippine president announces new China envoy

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio as the new Philippine ambassador to China.

Aquino said in the Wednesday's briefing that he selected Basilio, a career diplomat, for the post to send a signal to China that the Philippines gives much importance to its bilateral relations with that country.

"Given that she's already the senior undersecretary that sends a signal of how important our relations are with China and how serious we are of trying to achieve an understanding with them," Aquino said.

Basilio will be replacing Sonia Brady, 71, who suffered a stroke in Beijing last August.

Basilio, 68, completed her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Political Science at the University of the Philippines and joined the foreign service in 1970. Prior to her appointment as foreign affairs undersecretary, Basilio served as ambassador to Sweden and permanent representative to the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

Aquino said she appointed Basilio as ambassador to China as she was highly recommended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

"It was basically the high recommendations by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs given her wealth of experience," he said.

Aquino said he will submit Basilio's appointment papers to the Commission on Appointments, subject to confirmation.