China sends 3rd ship in standoff with Philippines as tensions ratchet

China deployed a third ship Thursday in an area of the disputed South China Sea where a tense standoff with Philippine vessels has dragged on, sparking alarm in Manila.

Chinese and Filipino diplomats have been scrambling to resolve the dangerous impasse at the Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippines that erupted Tuesday. A Philippine warship attempted to arrest several Chinese fishermen accused of illegal entry and poaching, but was prevented by the arrival of two Chinese surveillance ships.

One of the Chinese ships blocked the entrance to a lagoon at the shoal, where at least eight Chinese fishing vessels were anchored. The Chinese ships also ordered the Philippine warship to leave Scarborough, claiming Chinese sovereignty over the rich fishing ground.

But the warship has stayed put, arguing it is Philippine territory.

Philippine navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar warship was withdrawn from Scarborough Thursday for refueling and was replaced by a Philippine coast guard ship. The move was not a retreat or concession of any kind to China, he said.

"We're not retreating from our own territory," Pama said. more