The Embassy of china to the Philippines said the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Command (AFP WESCOM) and Chinese authorities agreed on a 'new model' for the conduct of the two countries in the Ayungin Shoal.
But Philippines Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said he was not aware of any agreements with China on the issue, reports Manila's Philippines Inquirer.
'The Department of National Defence is not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal since President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, took office,' Mr Teodoro said.
According to an unnamed spokesperson at the Chinese embassy, the 'new model' was allegedly approved by officials in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the National Security Advisor.
'The Chinese side and the Philippines side through the AFP WESCOM agreed on a 'new model' for the management at Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) early this year after multiple rounds of discussion,' the spokesperson said.
'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 Defence and the National Security Advisor,' they said.
The National Security Council likewise denied claims on the alleged new model and said that it was a 'new invention.'
'As Ayungin Shoal is a part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, we cannot agree to any such understanding that violates the Philippine constitution or international law,' the NSC said.
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But Philippines Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said he was not aware of any agreements with China on the issue, reports Manila's Philippines Inquirer.
'The Department of National Defence is not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal since President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, took office,' Mr Teodoro said.
According to an unnamed spokesperson at the Chinese embassy, the 'new model' was allegedly approved by officials in the Department of National Defence (DND) and the National Security Advisor.
'The Chinese side and the Philippines side through the AFP WESCOM agreed on a 'new model' for the management at Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) early this year after multiple rounds of discussion,' the spokesperson said.
'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 Defence and the National Security Advisor,' they said.
The National Security Council likewise denied claims on the alleged new model and said that it was a 'new invention.'
'As Ayungin Shoal is a part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, we cannot agree to any such understanding that violates the Philippine constitution or international law,' the NSC said.
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