DFA: No admin official agreed to China regarding 'new model' on Ayungin

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday underscored that no official from the Marcos administration entered into any agreement with the Chinese government regarding Ayungin Shoal.

"The DFA wishes to emphasize that only the President of the Republic of the Philippines can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippine Government on matters pertaining to the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea," the DFA said in a statement.

"In this respect, the DFA can confirm that no Cabinet-level official of the Marcos administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to the Ayungin Shoal," it added.

The DFA maintained that as far as the Philippine government is concerned, "no such document, record or deal exists, as purported by the Chinese Embassy."

The Chinese Embassy in Manila earlier said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made an agreement with China early this year on a so-called "new model" for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal.

It claimed that this "new model" was approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. has already denied that the DND was involved in any agreement with China regarding a supposed "new model" of conduct in the Ayungin Shoal. He said there was no discussion or briefing on a "gentleman's agreement" or "new model," as claimed by the Chinese Embassy, during a courtesy call by Ambassador Huang Xilian a few days after the defense chief assumed office in July 2023.

The National Security Council (NSC) has similarly denied the Chinese Embassy's claim, calling it "absolutely absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous." — VDV, GMA Integrated News