MANILA — Philippine President Benigno Aquino told protesters to abort their plan to sail Friday to a disputed South China Sea shoal also claimed by China, the leader of the group said.

Aquino’s last-minute telephone call caused the protesters to call off their trip to Scarborough Shoal, protest leader Nicanor Faeldon told reporters after speaking to the president on his mobile phone.

“I received a call from the president requesting the postponement of this voyage.... I consulted the group and we agreed to concur with the wisdom of the government to postpone it,” he added.

Philippine and Chinese vessels have been standing off at Scarborough Shoal where both countries claim sovereignty. Talks have gained momentum after both sides declared a two-month fishing ban this week.

The tension has spoiled bilateral relations. A major Chinese airline recently reduced flights to Manila to reflect a drop in Chinese tourists.

China claims the shoal along with most of the South China Sea, even up to the coasts of its Asian neighbors, while the Philippines says the shoal is well within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Cranking up tensions, both countries have had ships posted around the shoal since April 10, after Chinese vessels prevented a Philippine Navy ship from arresting Chinese fishermen.

China and the Philippines have imposed separate fishing bans around the disputed area that came into effect on Wednesday, moves that were seen by some observers as a face-saving way for both claimants to back away from the row. — AFP