Li pressures Aquino to resolve the bus hostage row
Families of victims say Li's call for resolution is a 'breakthrough'
Premier Li Keqiang has urged Philippine President Benigno Aquino to resolve the row over the Manila bus hostage crisis as soon as possible, taking the impasse to a new diplomatic level.
Families of the victims and political analysts described it as a "breakthrough" and believed it would put pressure on the Philippines.
But one observer noted that given the tensions between the two countries over territorial claims in the South China Sea it might not have an immediate impact.
According to a report by the China News Service, Li had a brief conversation with Aquino in a VIP room during the East Asia Summit on Wednesday.
Li said the incident had "dragged on for long" enough and had "affected the feelings of the people in China, especially the compatriots in Hong Kong", the report said. Li said he hoped the Philippine government would resolve the incident reasonably and fairly.
Aquino said a probe carried out by the Philippines was continuing and the Philippines would strive to handle the incident properly.
Li also explained to Aquino China's principles and stance over their sovereignty dispute in the South China Sea, the report said.