Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao has urged the Philippines to press ahead with the investigation into the hostage crisis which caused tragic casualties of Hong Kong tourists on Aug. 23, the embassy said in a press release issued Thursday morning.

In a meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday afternoon, Liu said, "We hope that the Philippine side presses ahead with the investigation and produces a comprehensive and fair report, which tells the truth, upholds the justice and becomes something that can be drawn upon for handling similar cases in the future."

A bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists was hijacked in the Philippine capital Manila on Aug. 23 by a former police senior inspector. The hostage crisis ended with eight members of the Hong Kong tour group killed.

"We believe that the Chinese and Philippine sides have the wisdom to deal with this isolated incident in an appropriate manner so as to turn challenges into opportunities for achieving a sound and stable development of China-Philippine relations," the Chinese ambassador said.

President Aquino showed his firm determination in settling the aftermath of the incident by promising a comprehensive, thorough and fair investigation. The Chinese and Philippine sides are working together to see to it that the investigation proceed in a smooth and steady manner, Liu said.

In response, Aquino said that the Philippine government attached great importance to developing friendly relations and cooperation with China. He stressed that the Philippine side will work closely with the Chinese side to go ahead with the investigation without unprincipled protection and cover-up.

He looked forward to the concerted efforts by the two sides in striking a proper settlement of the related issues and moving on with Philippines-China relations.