<p>The Philippines said today it had put off four-way talks due next week over rival claims to the South China Sea but downplayed suggestions the postponement was because of pressure from Beijing.<br /></p>.<p>The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam had been scheduled to meet on Wednesday but China, which wants disputes settled bilaterally, had not been invited.<br />But Foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters: "It will not happen this coming December 12... because of scheduling problems. But the parties are working on" coming up with a new date.He said he was unaware of any pressure being applied by Beijing to scuttle the Manila meeting.<br />The meeting of deputy foreign ministers had been part of Philippine efforts to push for a multilateral solution to the disputes.<br />China claims most of the sea including waters close to the shores of its neighbours.<br />Taiwan, like China, claims most of the sea, which includes some of the world's most important shipping lanes and is believed to be rich in fossil fuels.<br />Tensions have increased steadily over the past two years, with the Philippines and Vietnam accusing China of increasingly aggressive diplomatic tactics to stake its claims.<br />Relations between the Philippines and China have become particularly tense since patrol vessels by both countries engaged in a stand-off over the Scarborough Shoal in April. <br /></p>
<p>The Philippines said today it had put off four-way talks due next week over rival claims to the South China Sea but downplayed suggestions the postponement was because of pressure from Beijing.<br /></p>.<p>The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam had been scheduled to meet on Wednesday but China, which wants disputes settled bilaterally, had not been invited.<br />But Foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters: "It will not happen this coming December 12... because of scheduling problems. But the parties are working on" coming up with a new date.He said he was unaware of any pressure being applied by Beijing to scuttle the Manila meeting.<br />The meeting of deputy foreign ministers had been part of Philippine efforts to push for a multilateral solution to the disputes.<br />China claims most of the sea including waters close to the shores of its neighbours.<br />Taiwan, like China, claims most of the sea, which includes some of the world's most important shipping lanes and is believed to be rich in fossil fuels.<br />Tensions have increased steadily over the past two years, with the Philippines and Vietnam accusing China of increasingly aggressive diplomatic tactics to stake its claims.<br />Relations between the Philippines and China have become particularly tense since patrol vessels by both countries engaged in a stand-off over the Scarborough Shoal in April. <br /></p>