The Philippines said Sunday it remained locked in a stalemate with China over a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The statement came a day after the Philippine side reported that two Chinese vessels remained in Scarborough Shoal, just as the week-old stand-off appeared to have eased.
Eight Chinese fishing vessels which sparked the stand-off however had already left the area.
"The stalemate remains. Both sides are in touch with each other," Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a brief statement. He said Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario left Sunday for a week-long trip to the United States, and negotiations would be taken over by one of his top aides.
The crisis started on April 8 when the Philippines found the eight Chinese fishing boats in the area, which the Philippines claims as its territory.