DFA denies Cabinet-level agreement with China on Ayungin Shoal

On Tuesday, May 7, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that no Cabinet-level official in the Marcos administration agreed to any Chinese proposal regarding Ayungin Shoal.

The DFA emphasized that only the President can approve agreements concerning the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, reaffirming its stance on not abandoning sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone including Ayungin Shoal.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. denied any involvement of the Department of National Defense in an alleged 'new model' agreement with China, while the National Security Council rejected claims made by the Chinese Embassy as absurd and preposterous.

A ranking official of the Philippine Navy described the Chinese Embassy's claims as 'zombie stories', asserting they are fabricated to divert attention from China’s violations of international law.

The DFA confirmed that there is no evidence or official document supporting the Chinese Embassy's assertions about a Cabinet-level agreement on Ayungin Shoal, and stressed that these disinformation campaigns confuse the public and distract from real issues in the West Philippine Sea.