Año dismisses China's claims on Ayungin Shoal as fabrication

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año dismissed China's so-called 'new model' of conduct around Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as a fabrication.

Año stated during a seminar that there is no agreement between the Philippines and China regarding Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing adherence to international law.

The Chinese Embassy previously claimed an agreement was reached earlier this year after communications with Philippine military officials, but Año called this claim 'nothing more than a new invention'.

Ayungin Shoal remains a flashpoint for China's aggression in the WPS, where its coast guard and maritime militia have engaged in dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels.

Año urged journalists to avoid narratives that sow division and weaken resolve, and to uphold factual reporting regarding the Philippines' rights in disputed territories.

Amid the proliferation of Chinese narratives about Ayungin Shoal, Año called on members of the media and the public to 'stand their ground and push back against these malign pieces of information that seek to undermine the national interest.'

The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) continues to conduct seminars to combat fake news and misinformation about Chinese activities in the WPS.