April 10: The attempt to detain Chinese fishermen near Huangyan Island by the Philippine navy was halted by the arrival of Chinese Marine Surveillance ships, initiating the following naval confrontation.

April 12: China sent a public service ship to the waters of Huangyan Island.

April 12: Philippine warships withdrew from the waters of Huangyan Island.

April 14: The Chinese fishing vessels put an end to the standoff and sailed off Huangyan Island.

April 16: The Philippines and the United States held joint military exercises.

April 18: The Philippines dispatched a law enforcement ship to Huangyan Island.

April 18: China deployed advanced maritime security vessels in the South China Sea.

April 18: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed dialogue over intrusions of Chinese sovereignty by the Philippine side.

April 22: China withdrew two of its law enforcement vessels from Huangyan Island.

April 24: The Philippines sent additional security vessels to Huangyan Island.

April 28: The Philippines suspended the diplomatic dialogue with China over the Huangyan Island dispute.

May 3: Fourteen Chinese ships arrived at the Huangyan Island region.

May 3: The Philippines renamed Huangyan Island as "Panatag Shoal."

May 8: China announced it was prepared to use all means to respond to actions by the Philippines.

May 9: The Philippines stated that the United States would send troops for its defense if it came under attack.

May 10: Hosts of Chinese travel agencies suspended their tourism programs to the Philippines.

May 11: About 200 Filipino activists held an anti-China demonstration outside a Chinese consular office in Manila. The rally ended shortly in peace.