Yul Kwon:
Now let's turn to the South China Sea. We've been telling you about a standoff between China and the Philippines. Both countries have claimed jurisdiction over the waters surrounding what the Chinese call Huangyan Island and the Philippines calls Scarborough Shoal. Well, it looks like they've agreed to disagree, at least for now. Defense ministers from both countries met and are calling for restraint. But Chinese state-broadcaster CCTV reports that China is still claiming the area for itself, and still blaming the Philippines for starting the dispute.

Reporter:
The two met on the sidelines of the ASEAN defense meeting in Phnom Penh. Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie took the opportunity to reaffirm that Huangyan Island is the indisputable territory of China. He also attributed all the problems around the island to the Philippine military's harassment of Chinese fishermen.

China is demanding the Philippines respect China's territorial sovereignty and stop all the moves that will expand and complicate the situation. General Liang hoped the Philippines would exercise restraint in the name of regional peace and stability.

Philippine defense chief Voltaire Gamin thanked Liang for meeting him and expressed hope that when diplomats from both sides are dealing with sensitive matters, the defense departments should keep their lines of communication open to promote a peaceful and rational resolution.

Yul Kwon:
Meanwhile, Japan is promising to deliver 10 new patrol boats to help the Philippines defend its territorial waters. The Philippines is also asking for defense equipment from the US, South Korea and Australia.