Philippines Refutes China's Claims on South China Sea, Dismisses 2016 Agreement

May 7, 2024, 07:51 AM

Senior Philippine officials, including Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, have categorically denied claims by China regarding an agreement on managing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China's embassy in Manila alleged that the Philippine military's Western Command had consented to a 'new model' for handling the disputes earlier this year. However, the Philippine government has refuted these claims, emphasizing that no such agreement was made concerning the disputed territories, including the Ayungin Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal. Additionally, China claims a 2016 agreement was made and urges Manila to honor its commitments. Chinese officials also hinted they might release audio evidence supporting their claims.