Philippine-Chinese standoff defused

A Philippine-Chinese standoff in the Shatly Islands appeared defused, with the Philippine military saying Saturday eight Chinese fishing boats had pulled out. Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara said five of the fishing boats left a Scarborough Shoal lagoon Friday night, essentially ending the standoff that had started Sunday, GMA News reported. Three others had left earlier. A Philippine coast guard vessel and one of three Chinese maritime surveillance ships remained in the disputed territory, however, as diplomatic talks continued. Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez confirmed the departure of the last five fishing boats, GMA said. He said Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chinese Ambassador to Manila Ma Keqing were still engaged in talks "to find a solution to the Scarborough issue." Alcantara told radio station dzBB Saturday the coast guard would remain in the area to protect Filipino fishermen. The Chinese surveillance vessel also was expected to stay in the vicinity. The Philippines and China are among several nations that lay claim to parts or all of the islands in the region.