Philippine President Benigno Aquino has ordered home its two ships engaged in a maritime standoff with China over Huangyan Island, citing bad weather, according to the government.

Aquino ordered a coast guard patrol vessel and a fisheries bureau survey ship out of Huangyan Island on Friday night, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

The announcement was made as Typhoon Guchol approached the country's north from the Pacific Ocean.

Philippine ships have been facing off with Chinese vessels since April 10, when Chinese maritime surveillance ships blocked the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen near the island.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Thursday that Chinese fishing boats are currently carrying out "normal fishing" in Huangyan Island waters in the South China Sea, and that "Chinese government vessels will continue to provide management and services for its fishing ships and fishermen." "The general situation is tending to ease. China hopes the Philippines will not take moves that will complicate and magnify the situation," said Liu.

AFP - Xinhua