Philippines to replace ambassador to China

BEIJING - Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the replacement of the country's ambassador to China, according to media in Manila.

Ambassador Sonia Brady has been hospitalized in Beijing since suffering a stroke last Wednesday.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Monday that Aquino ordered him to replace Brady, 71, to ensure her full recovery.

"At the current rate of progress, she may be flown to Manila in two weeks. Her medical care is also being closely monitored by the Chinese Foreign Ministry with care and concern," Del Rosario said in a text message to the Philippine-based Star newspaper.

Del Rosario visited Brady in Beijing last Saturday and said her conditioning is improving, but she is unable to speak.

Brady, a veteran diplomat, was named ambassador to China in May amid growing tensions over the South China Sea.