Tensions between the Philippines and China are rising after Manila repeatedly called for help from bigger powers to resist Beijing over the issue of Huangyan Island, while the country asked for more ships and planes to be deployed to step up patrols in the area.
The Yuzheng-310, China's most advanced fishery patrol ship, arrived in waters off the coast of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea at Friday noon, starting its mission to protect the country's interests in territorial waters, fishery authorities said.
China withdrew one of three ships engaged in a standoff with Philippine vessels in the waters off Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Friday, further defusing tensions as diplomats pursued a solution.
A Philippine warship that was in a standoff with Chinese surveillance boats near Huangyan Island in the South China Sea after trying to stop Chinese fishing boat crews has left the area.