Both sides continue to recognise the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea, say Philippines and China

The deal was reached after a series of consultations in Manila, following increasing tensions in the Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said. - AP Photo

MANILA (dpa): The Philippines and China on Sunday reached a "provisional” agreement that aims to avoid confrontations at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea where Filipino troops are stationed on a marooned ship.

The deal was reached after a series of consultations in Manila, following increasing tensions in the Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said.