China and the Philippines have reached an agreement that is expected to prevent further confrontations regarding the disputed atoll Second Thomas Shoal.
The Philippines occupies the atoll in the southern South China Sea with military stationed on the ring-shaped island, but China has also claimed ownership.
The previous clashes between the countries have raised concerns about larger conflicts that could involve the USA. The Philippines is a long-standing ally in Asia and Washington has stated that it is obligated to defend the country if its forces are attacked in the South China Sea.
The agreement, which has not yet been made public by the countries, was reached on Sunday in the Philippine capital Manila after several diplomatic talks. The goal has been to reach a compromise that is accepted by both parties without recognizing the other side's territorial claims, according to two anonymous Philippine government officials.
The conflict has flared up repeatedly since last year. The Philippines has accused, among other things, the Chinese coastguard of using water cannons to prevent naval boats from delivering supplies to stationed military on the atoll.
A Chinese vessel most recently rammed a Philippine vessel in June, which was then boarded. China justified its actions by saying that the vessel had ignored warnings and therefore "control measures were taken".
