After Philippines, China Leaves Disputed Shoal

[News_Editor]

China says it will pull out its fishing boats from the disputed Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea following a similar move by the Philippines. A standoff erupted in April when the Philippines accused Chinese fishermen of poaching inside its exclusive economic zone. China claims sovereignty over the tiny, uninhabited shoal and deployed paramilitary vessels to protect the fishermen. The Philippines withdrew its two remaining government ships over the weekend, citing bad weather. China sent a rescue vessel to pull the fishing boats to safety because of the stormy weather and strong tide.—AP

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