China Backs Down in South China Sea After U.S., Philippines Warnings

Chinese vessels have backed down from a Philippine-occupied atoll in the South China Sea after imposing a quasi-blockade that provoked strong warnings from Manila and Washington. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters on Sunday that "the Chinese will not interfere per my conversation with the Chinese ambassador." He was referring to Beijing's envoy in Manila, Huang Xilian,