China urges discussion over Huangyan Island

According to Philippine media reports, the commander of the country's Coast Guard has said that the Philippine naval fleet will leave Huangyan Island over fears of a typhoon. But he added that the Coast Guard will continue to maintain a presence in the surrounding waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard has said it is likely to leave Huangyan Island because of a possible typhoon. But Edmund Tan, the guard’s commander, insists it will be back.

Recently, the Philippine government adopted the name Pana Tage reef for the island - which it used to call either the Scarborough Shoal or the Bayeux Masinloc. They have said they are very confident that the International Courts will validate its claims over the island.

But some have said that it is wrong for the Phillipine government to resort to the International courts, and that Huangyan Island has been part of China’s territory since ancient times.

The confrontation is taking its toll on ties between the two countries, and banana exports to China have been greatly reduced.

Hong Lei, the spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated China’s claim over Huangyan Island. He added that China insists that the two countries resolve the issue through consultation and diplomacy rather than confrontation.