MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) made a “gentleman’s agreement” with China earlier this year on the “new model” for managing the situation at Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement by the Chinese Embassy, the deal 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,” the statement read.
The Chinese Embassy stated that the “gentlemen’s agreement” or the “new model” was a “confidence-building measure” to manage disputes, avoid conflicts, and maintain peace.
“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,” it said.
The Chinese Embassy added that the communication and negotiation on this subject matter is kept on record in every detail by the Chinese side.
It further said that the “new model” resulted in a “smooth” resupply mission last February, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines described as “flawless.”
The Chinese Embassy also claimed 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 Ren’ai 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./PN
