Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman has talked to his Philippine counterpart, Albert del Rosario, over the phone about the matter, says a statement from the Philippine Foreign Ministry.

BBC: Malaysia stand-off with Philippine group

Meanwhile Manila said that Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario would also ask for permission for a Philippines ship carrying aid and consular help to be allowed to reach the intruders and evacuate the wounded.

BBC: Malaysia boosts Sabah security after Lahad Datu clashes

"We talked about the challenges that we appear to be facing in view of the assertions being made by China, " Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters after meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, in Manila.

BBC: Japan PM Abe: China handling of islands row 'wrong'

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said he met with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing and both reaffirmed their governments' positions that the Scarborough Shoal where the ships are facing off was part of their own country's territory and neither was ready to stand down.

WSJ: Philippine Warship, China Ships in Standoff

The Philippine government said Tuesday it had tried bring a peaceful end to the standoff by sending Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario to Malaysia urge restraint, while Philippine President Benigno Aquino III twice appeared on national television in recent days to urge Mr. Kiram's followers to lay down their arms and end their quest.

WSJ: Malaysia Flare-Up Illustrates Volatility