Over in Taiwan, Central Daily News says the Philippines is using the "one-China" policy as an excuse to avoid issuing a formal government apology.

BBC: China media: Philippines row

Taiwan's Central Daily News expresses confidence that the dispute over fishing rights will be resolved bilaterally and urges Taipei to wait for the Philippines to respond to the ultimatum deadline today before stepping up pressure.

BBC: China media: Taipei-Manila deadlock

However, Taipei's United Daily News blasts Taiwan Foreign Minister David Lin for "misleading" the public by "whitewashing" Philippine envoy Antonio Basilio's apology on behalf of the people of the Philippines - rather than the Philippine government.

BBC: China media: Taiwan measures against Manila