TAIPEI, Taiwan. China has unveiled what it purports to be a clandestine 2016 agreement with the Philippines concerning access to islands in the South China Sea, a move likely to escalate tensions in the fiercely disputed region, crucial for global trade and claimed extensively by China.
According to a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the agreement, described as a “temporary special arrangement,” was reportedly struck during a visit to Beijing by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This arrangement purportedly permitted small-scale fishing activities around the islands while restricting the entry of military, coast guard, and other official aircraft and vessels within the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters limit.
However, the Philippines has denied any such agreement, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirming that no actions compromising Philippine sovereignty were undertaken during his tenure. The potential existence of such an agreement, if proven, could constitute an impeachable offense under the Philippine Constitution.
Analysts like Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, suggest that while Duterte hinted at such an agreement, there’s a lack of concrete evidence beyond verbal claims.
Both Marcos and Duterte have distanced themselves from the alleged agreement, with Marcos stating his unawareness of any such arrangement and Duterte emphasizing the maintenance of “status quo” in the disputed waters during his presidency.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has initiated an investigation into the matter, labeling it a potential “gentleman’s agreement.” Meanwhile, China has accused Philippine officials of promising to remove a navy ship grounded in the Second Thomas Shoal, a claim disputed by Philippine authorities.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have intensified in recent times, marked by confrontations at sea, including skirmishes between coast guard vessels. The United States, while not claiming sovereignty in the region, has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines against armed attacks, including those in the South China Sea, as part of their longstanding treaty alliance.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
