Manila, June 5 -- The Philippines intends to sustain efforts to further develop trade and people-to-people exchanges with China as the two countries commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz said.

"While there are maritime-related issues between the two countries, these challenges are not the entirety of our relations," he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

"We continue to move forward and look at the bright spots in our relations. One example is people-to-people exchanges, which we highlight in this year's commemorative activities."

China, he added, remains a "valued economic partner" to Manila, being its largest trading partner.

"We wish to bring in mor...