Photo credit: PCG

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a strong rebuttal to assertions made by the Chinese Embassy regarding a purported "new model" arrangement concerning Ayungin Shoal.

The DFA asserts that the Philippines has not engaged in any agreement relinquishing its sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including the Ayungin Shoal. Moreover, it emphasizes that any such agreements would only be made with the highest level of governmental authorization.

Both the Secretary of National Defense and the National Security Adviser have categorically denied the existence of any informal arrangements regarding Ayungin Shoal. This refutation underscores the falsehood of China's narrative.

The DFA warns against China's dissemination of disinformation or insinuations against Philippine officials, which sow confusion among the Filipino public and divert attention from China's unlawful actions in Philippine waters.

Despite tensions, the Philippines remains committed to diplomatic resolution through established channels. It urges China to consider the invitation to convene the next meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM-SCS) promptly, as a step toward effectively managing differences at sea.