China mum on ‘inaccuracies’ in Ayungin deal

A Chinese official has urged the Philippines to “keep its word” after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disputed Beijing’s claim that Manila had agreed to prior notifications and onsite inspections of rotation and resupply missions to Filipino troops in Ayungin (Second Thomas) shoal.

“We take note that the Philippine side said it’s ready to implement the arrangement it reached with China. We hope the Philippines will keep its word,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

“We call on the Philippines not to backpedal, not to create problems, and not to do anything that would complicate the situation,” Mao said.

The “temporary arrangement” was reached after a series of discussions between officials from both sides during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea held in Manila earlier this month.

It was meant to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea, particularly in Ayungin where Chinese coast guard ships have been repeatedly harassing Ayungin-bound Philippine vessels conducting Rore missions.

 The DFA announced the agreement on Sunday, but it complained that the Chinese MFA misrepresented the agreement. No copy of the agreement has been released.

“The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions,” the DFA said.

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Amid conflicting statements from both sides, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio suggested the minutes of the bilateral meetings on the temporary arrangement be released.

“The minutes of the meeting signed by China and the Philippines should explain what was the agreement. The DFA should disclose the wording of the minutes,” Carpio told the Inquirer on Tuesday.

“Any agreement, temporary or permanent, should not violate the Philippine Constitution or abandon the [2016] Arbitral Award,” he said.