China and the Philippines have reached an agreement they hope will end the confrontation over the most contested area in the South China Sea – the Second Thomas Shoal, according to the AP. A decisive agreement was reached on Sunday following a series of meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats in Manila and the exchange of diplomatic notes. The Philippine government released a brief statement announcing the agreement, though it provided no details. “Both sides continue to recognize the need to deescalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and …