(LinkAsia: June 22, 2012)
Yul Kwon:
Now we’ve been following this story for a while. The Philippines and China have been locked in a standoff in the South China Sea for two months, but now the two countries are pulling back. The reason? Crummy weather. Here’s Japanese broadcaster NHK with more.

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NHK World NEWSLINE
Airdate: June 18, 2012

Reporter:
The standoff in waters around Scarborough Shoal erupted in April. Both the Philippines and China claim sovereignty over the uninhabited shoal. On Saturday, the Philippine government ordered a coast guard ship and another vessel in the area to return to port to avoid an approaching typhoon. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei welcomes the move. He said at a news conference on Monday that China will send a vessel to tug Chinese fishing boats in the area to safety.

Hong Lei, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:
Two Philippine ships left the waters early Saturday morning. China hopes the tension will further ease, and both nations will restore cooperative relations.

Reporter:
However, the spokesperson expressed China’s intention to continue claim over the shoal, adding that the country will continue to monitor surrounding waters.