Warship in standoff in South China Sea

The Philippines said its largest warship was engaged in a standoff with Chinese surveillance vessels today at a disputed South China Sea shoal, after the ship attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen but was blocked by the surveillance craft.

Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing to resolve the impasse diplomatically. Del Rosario’s office said the Scarborough Shoal “is an integral part of Philippine territory” and Philippine authorities would assert sovereignty over the offshore area.