China has raised eyebrows 😲 by challenging the Philippine government's denial of joint agreements regarding Ren'ai Jiao. On Saturday, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in the Philippines expressed surprise over the Philippines' recent statements.
\"China has always been committed to managing maritime differences through dialogue and consultation with the Philippines,\" said the spokesperson. \"The 'gentlemen's agreement' is a concrete outcome of such efforts.\"
But here's the twist: several senior Philippine officials have been denying any such agreements about Ren'ai Jiao. Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., stated last week, \"Since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took office, the Department of National Defense has not been part of any internal agreement with China on Ren'ai Jiao.\"
China, however, insists that earlier this year, both nations agreed on a \"new model\" for handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao after multiple discussions involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (AFP WESCOM). The Chinese embassy spokesperson emphasized that these communications are well-documented 📄.
\"Thanks to this 'new model', our front-liners had guidance on interactions, making the resupply mission on February 2 smooth sailing 🚢,\" the spokesperson noted. Interestingly, the AFP Spokesperson had described that mission as \"flawless\" on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the same day.
China also mentioned that in a meeting on July 5, 2023, between the Chinese Ambassador and Secretary Teodoro, the \"gentlemen's agreement\" was discussed. \"Readouts of the meeting were released by both the Department of National Defense and the Chinese Embassy,\" the spokesperson added.
\"It is regrettable 😔 that despite these understandings, peace at Ren'ai Jiao has been disrupted again and again,\" the spokesperson lamented.
This unfolding drama 🎭 leaves many wondering: what's next for China-Philippines relations in the South China Sea?
Reference(s):
China refutes Philippine government's denial of Ren'ai Jiao agreements
cgtn.com
