MANILA — The Philippine president has nominated a senior diplomat as the country's new ambassador to China. President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday he is tapping Foreign Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio for the post. He said the appointment signals the importance of relations with China and the Philippines' seriousness in trying to achieve understanding. Tensions have risen between the countries over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The post has been vacant since August, when former Ambassador Sonia Brady suffered a stroke three months after being sent to Beijing to resolve the territorial rift. Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhang Hua said China hopes the early appointment of a new ambassador will facilitate communication between the two sides. Basilio's nomination must be approved by Congress. — AP
