Philippine, Chinese standoff continues

A standoff between Philippine navy and Chinese ships over fishing rights in the Spratly Islands wound into its sixth day Friday, officials said. There were signs the tensions were easing as diplomats sough to defuse the situation. The Philippine Star reported the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said one of the three Chinese surveillance vessels that interceded on behalf of eight Chinese fishing boats at Scarborough Shoal had left the area. One of two Philippine navy vessels also had departed, but was replaced by a civilian ship, The Manila Times reported. Assistant Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Hernandez said China's move could indicate a breakthrough on the negotiations between the department and the Chinese Embassy. Hernandez said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario was meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Kequing. The Star said personnel from the Philippine warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar had boarded the fishing boats earlier and found clams, corals and live sharks. The Times reported del Rosario indicated progress was being made through diplomatic channels. "We are moving forward but this is still a work in progress," he said. "Hopefully we can get it done in a day or two but we will have to see. I think I will appeal for understanding. We're in the stage of negotiations." The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all lay claims to part or all of the Spratly Islands region.