The Department of Foreign Affairs has denied the existence of the so-called “new model,” which the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed to be intended to manage disputes in the Ayungin Shoal.
“The DFA is not aware of any ‘new model’ arrangement being referred to by the Chinese Embassy with regard to Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said in a statement released on Sunday.
The Foreign Affairs Department 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 read.
The Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser have already denied the existence of “any informal arrangements” regarding the shoal, which the DFA proves “the untruthfulness of China’s narrative.”
“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,” the statement read.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila on May 4 claimed 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 said model was allegedly approved by the Philippine government, including the Department of National Defense (DND).
However, both the DND and the Philippine National Security Council already dismissed the alleged new model, saying it was merely an “invention” by China.
The DFA has since 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 claim 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 week.