China Denies 'Secret Deal' with Philippines Over South China Sea Dispute

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has denied the existence of a "secret deal" between China and the Philippines regarding the disputed South China Sea, specifically the Second Thomas Shoal (also known as Ayungin Shoal or Ren'ai Jiao). The embassy stated that the reported agreement reached under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was about "managing the situation on the ground, maintaining peace, and preventing conflicts" and was not a secret.

According to the embassy, relevant departments and agencies of both sides had worked under the agreement's guidance to effectively maintain peace and stability at the shoal until early February 2023. However, the current Philippine administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has unilaterally abandoned the understandings and arrangements, prompting China to urge the Philippines to honor its commitments and consensus with China.

President Marcos has repeatedly referred to the agreement as a "secret deal" and declared that it is now being rescinded. He claimed that he was "horrified" by the terms of the agreement and was not aware of it, stating that the previous administration did not provide information about it.

The Chinese embassy said that they have repeatedly briefed the Marcos administration on the agreement and remained committed to managing the differences through dialogue. China accused the Marcos government of unilaterally abandoning a "new model" for managing the situation at the shoal that was agreed upon earlier this year, and urged the Philippines to stop provocations and return to the path of dialogue and consultation.

Why this matters: The South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines has escalated tensions in the region, with both countries asserting their territorial claims. The involvement of the United States, which has strengthened military cooperation with the Philippines, has further complicated the situation and raised concerns about potential military conflict.

The Chinese embassy spokesperson emphasized that the agreement was unrelated to the countries' sovereign rights over the resource-rich waters and was focused on maintaining peace and preventing conflicts. The embassy urged the Philippines to honor its commitments and consensus with China, stating that "the Philippine side should not waver in its position, flip-flop, or even renege on its own promises".

Key Takeaways

• China denies "secret deal" with Philippines on South China Sea dispute.
• Previous Philippine admin agreed to manage situation, maintain peace at Ayungin Shoal.
• Current Philippine admin unilaterally abandoned the agreement, prompting China's urge to honor it.
• South China Sea dispute escalates tensions, with US-Philippines military cooperation complicating it.
• China urges Philippines to honor commitments and not renege on its promises.