Manila - The Philippines and China on Friday vowed to expand bilateral cooperation despite President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's signing of a new law that lays claim to disputed areas in the South China Sea.

China's Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao met with Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and pledged to work on boosting bilateral relations, according to the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs.

Liu said China was keen to enhance trade and economic ties with the Philippines, especially in the areas of mining and infrastructure.

The ambassador also proposed that Manila and Beijing continue discussions on the disputed areas, the department said in a statement.

The Philippine Baseline Law, signed by Arroyo on Tuesday, identified a group of islands as within the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Phillipine government.

China on Wednesday reiterated its "strong opposition and solemn protest" of the Philippine Baseline Law, saying the disputed areas "have always been parts of Chinese territory."

These areas include the Scarborough Shoal - a group of islets, atolls and reefs claimed by China - and the Kalayaan Islands, a part of the Spratlys, which are claimed in whole or in part by China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Spratlys straddle key shipping lanes in the South China Sea and are believed to be rich in oil, fish and mineral resources.

In 2002, the claimant countries signed an agreement to refrain from actions that could trigger conflict and to hold consultations on possible joint ventures. (dpa)