Stranded Philippine ship moved from shoal

The Philippines moved the BRP Gregorio del Pilar from the Banyue Shoal early on Tuesday morning, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said, adding that China hasn't found any environmental damage, such as an oil spill.

The Philippine military vessel ran aground near the Banyue Shoal in the Nansha Islands on Aug 29.

China has followed the incident closely and has kept in contact with the Philippines, Hua told a news conference on Wednesday.

The Philippines informed China of the incident and its rescue plan after the stranding happened, and both sides had discussions over China's assistance, Hua said.

China's coast guard, on duty in the waters, had good interaction with the Philippine ships, and the Philippines expressed appreciation for China's goodwill, Hua said.