A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday that China's determination to solve a dispute with the Philippines over Huangyan Island via diplomatic means remains unchanged.
The Philippines' sovereignty claim over Huangyan Island is "illegal" and against basic principles of international relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said here Friday.
Beijing criticized Manila's attempt to expand Huangyan Island dispute over the entire South China Sea. 
China makes 'solemn representations' to Philippines
The withdrawal of the two ships proves once again China is not escalating the situation as some people said, but de-escalating the situation.
China has beefed up patrols in the South China Sea to protect the country's maritime rights and interests as Chinese fishing boats have been frequently harassed or seized by armed ships of neighboring countries.
China forbids anyone to develop the country's islands designated for purposes in its territorial waters.
China on Monday urged the Philippines to withdraw all of its vessels from Huangyan Island area to restore peace and stability in the region.
All the Chinese fishing boats left the lagoon in Huangyan Island in South China Seas on Friday night, after a five-day stalemate, according to sources from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
China urges the Philippines to work together with the Chinese side to appropriately address a confrontation off the coast of Huangyan Island, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Friday.
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