China-Philippine agreement on Ayungin Shoal denied by Philippine officials

The Chinese Embassy stated on Saturday that an agreement between China and the Philippine Armed Forces Western Command (WESCOM) regarding Ayungin Shoal has been approved by key Philippine officials.

However, both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Department of National Defense have denied these claims, asserting that any agreements require approval from government agencies such as the Department of National Defense and the National Security Advisor.

The AFP also emphasized that there is no 'new model' agreement with China for managing Ayungin Shoal, dismissing Chinese assertions as baseless.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año called the claim 'absolutely absurd, ludicrous, and preposterous,' reiterating that there are no agreements regarding Ayungin Shoal.

Meanwhile, the AFP announced the completion of Humanitarian Civic Action Projects in several regions and the upcoming Maritime Strike Exercise with U.S. counterparts on May 8, 2024.