China Embassy: AFP WESCOM agreed to ‘new model’ on Ayungin Shoal

The Chinese Embassy on Saturday said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made an agreement with China on the “new model” for managing the situation at the Ayungin Shoal, which was approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said that the “gentleman’s agreement” was the product of China’s commitment to properly manage maritime differences “through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines.”

“To follow up on the important consensus between the two heads-of-state to deescalate tension in the South China Sea, the Chinese side and the Philippine side through AFP WESCOM agreed on a ‘new model’ for the management of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao early this year after multiple rounds of discussions,” it said.

It reiterated that the “gentlemen’s agreement” or the “new model” was a confidence-building measure to manage disputes, avoid conflicts, and maintain peace, but it had nothing to do with each country's sovereign positions.

“During the discussion, the AFP WESCOM has made repeated confirmation that the 'new model' has been approved by all key officials in the Philippine chain of command, including the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser. The communication and negotiation on this subject matter is kept on record in every detail by the Chinese side,” it said.

The Chinese Embassy said that the “new model” resulted in a “smooth” resupply mission last February, which the AFP spokesperson described as “flawless” in a social media post.

The embassy also pointed to a supposed meeting of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines with the DND on July 5, 2023 at Camp Aguinaldo, during which the ambassador and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. exchanged views on China-Philippines military relations, and maritime issues, among other things.

“[During] the meeting, the Philippine side was briefed on the ‘gentlemen's agreement’ on the management of Renai Jiao. Readouts of the meeting were released respectively by the DND and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines,” it said.

“The above are facts, not narratives or inventions. China is always committed to managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao and maintaining dialogue and communication with the Philippines in a responsible manner,” it added, as it asked why the Philippine administration kept denying and resisting the previous agreements.

Sought for comment, the DND said the Chinese claims were "hackneyed" and did not require a response.

"Please refer to the Department's previous announcements and releases," said the Philippine Defense Department.

In a previous statement, the DND called out China’s alleged inability to conduct open, transparent, and legal negotiations amid the issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“China’s defense ministry statement clearly reflects their isolation from the rest of the world on their illegal and uncivilized activities in the West Philippine Sea,” the DND said in a statement.

“It also shows the inability of the Chinese Government to conduct open, transparent, and legal negotiations. Their repertoire consists only of patronizing and, failing that, intimidating smaller countries.” 

The Philippine National Security Council, for its part, had dismissed the alleged "new model" as ''nothing more than a new invention'' by China.

"As the President has clearly stated, there is no agreement whatsoever about Ayungin Shoal and that we shall continue to do all activities within the bounds of international law and we shall brook no interference in our lawful actions," said National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

He also said there was no document that would prove there was a "gentleman's agreement" involving the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government.

GMA News Online had also sought the AFP WESCOM's reaction to the Chinese claims but it had yet to reply as of posting time. — DVM, GMA Integrated News