Philippines says has ‘common understanding’ with China on tensions at disputed shoal

MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines and China have reached a common understanding to ease tension at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea shoal, the site of multiple confrontations this past year, a top Philippine security official said on Wednesday.

“Both sides agreed the tension will be reduced in Ayungin shoal to prevent skirmishes, anything that may lead to injury, harm to soldiers or to anyone,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano told a forum, referring to the Philippine term for the Second Thomas Shoal.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)