Philippines denies 'new model' China deal on Second Thomas Shoal

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and the Department of Foreign Affairs denied involvement of the Philippines in an alleged 'new model' agreement with China regarding Second Thomas Shoal on Sunday, May 5.

The Chinese Embassy earlier claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command had reached a supposed new model to ease tensions, which they said was approved by key Philippine officials including Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

Teodoro emphasized that he did not allow any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since assuming office in July 2023, apart from a courtesy call where no discussions of such agreements took place.

The DFA reiterated its firm position that the Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights over Second Thomas Shoal, stressing that any agreements or arrangements would be made only if authorized at the highest level of government.

Both Teodoro and Año reaffirmed their commitment to conducting all activities within international law boundaries without interference from other nations.