Philippines, China in South China Sea standoff

China and the Philippines have summoned their ambassadors to discuss a solution to a maritime vessel stand-off in the South China Sea, Reuters reported. A Philippines Navy surveillance plane discovered eight Chinese fishing boats operating in the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Sunday, an area claimed by both countries. When Manila dispatched a warship to check the vessels, two Chinese fishing ships intercepted the warship. However, both sides have said they are committed to a peaceful resolution. “I think the possibility of use of force is out of the question,” said Albert del Rosario, the Philippines Foreign Affairs secretary. Relations among neighbors in the South China Sea have generally deteriorated in recent years, in part due to more assertive Chinese actions. In March 2011 Chinese vessels threatened to attack a Philippine research vessel, spurring Manila to reach out to the US for further military ties.