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THE Philippines Department of National Defence (DND) has no knowledge of alleged internal agreements with China on the Ayungin Shoal, says Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, reports the Manila Times.
This disputes claims of Chinese officials about two new deals with the Philippines last year to lessen tensions on the disputed territory.
"The DND 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.
The Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (SCS). Mr Teodoro said the DND has not had any contact with any Chinese officials since last year.
"This is all a part of the Chinese propaganda effort to steer the Filipino people's attention away from the real issue and cause of the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, which is China's obstinate refusal to adhere to UNCLOS [United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea], which they are a signatory too," he said.
UNCLOS recognises the Philippine jurisdiction in the South China Sea, he said. "We will never enter into any agreement that will compromise our sovereignty and sovereign rights under the UNCLOS, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling," Mr Teodoro said.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano previously said China must show proof of the Philippines' alleged deal with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea.
https://shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9240500000245
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