(CNN) -- A tense standoff between China and the Philippines that has been under way since April 10, when the Philippines Navy accused Chinese boats of fishing illegally off the Scarborough Shoal, appeared to ease somewhat Friday. In Manila, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said that Philippine diplomats "are endeavoring to undertake a new diplomatic initiative, which we hope will help defuse the situation." China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters that China had noted the remarks as well as the action taken by the Philippine Foreign Ministry and noticed the resumption of diplomatic contact between the Philippine Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
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NEW: Manila says diplomats "are endeavoring to undertake a new diplomatic initiative"
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China and the Philippines have been involved in a standoff since April 10
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Navy accuses Chinese boats of fishing illegally in waters off the Scarborough Shoal
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Both countries claim the shoal, known by China as Huangyan, in the South China Sea
Meanwhile, @placeholder officials on Thursday accused Manila of inciting its people to take to the streets to demonstrate against China.