The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday, May 5, denied the existence of a “new model,” which is claimed by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, to manage disputes in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) is caught in a video shadowing the Philippine vessels in the waters off Ayungin Shoal on a resupply mission last Sept. 8, 2023. (PCG video screenshot)
“The DFA is not aware of any ‘new model’ arrangement being referred to by the Chinese Embassy with regard to Ayungin Shoal,” it said in a statement.
The DFA also reaffirmed its position that the Philippines has not entered into any agreement to abandon its rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including the Ayungin Shoal.
“On issues of such importance, any agreements or arrangements would be made only if authorized at the highest level of government,” the statement added.
It also reiterated that the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser have already denied the existence of “any informal arrangements” regarding the shoal.
This proves “the untruthfulness of China's narrative,” the DFA stressed.
“China should desist from disseminating such disinformation or insinuations against Philippine officials, which create confusion among the Filipino public and distract from the real issues created by China's unfounded claims, and illegal and aggressive actions in our waters.”
On Saturday, May 4, the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made an agreement with China on the “new model” to manage the disputes in the shoal.
The model was apparently approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense (DND).
This supposed agreement will apparently avoid conflicts and maintain peace, though it had nothing to do with the countries’ sovereign positions.
Both the DND and the Philippine National Security Council already dismissed the alleged “new model” and said that it was merely an “invention” by China.
In its statement, the DFA urged China to consider the Philippines’ standing invitation to convene the next meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM-SCS) “as soon as possible.”
“The Philippines has been earnest in seeking ways to reduce tensions with China through established diplomatic channels,” it added.
China’s claimed of a “new model” and the subsequent denial of Philippine officials that such arrangement exists come after the China Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons that damaged a Philippine vessel last Tuesday.
It marked the latest flare up of violence between the two countries and the intensified aggression by China in the contested waters.