The Philippines' persistent breach of commitment shows their guilty conscience: Chinese FM

(ECNS) -- Whether it’s the “gentlemen’s agreement”, or the internal understandings, or the “new model” reached between China and the Philippines on properly managing the situation in the South China Sea, they all have clear timelines and are supported by solid evidence, and no one can deny their existence, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on Wednesday.

According to media reports, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said over the weekend that he plans to order the investigation over the taped conversation between a ranking naval officer from the Philippines and a Chinese diplomat in Manila on reaching agreement on resolving issues concerning the South China Sea. The naval officer told the Philippine Senate inquiry on Wednesday that he denies entering into any agreement with Beijing.

Wang said the Philippines’ replacement of the official concerned is exact evidence that China and the Philippines did reach agreement on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao.

“The Philippines’ persistent denial and breach of commitment—and blaming it all on China—shows exactly their guilty conscience and who is acting in bad faith, infringing the other side’s sovereignty and making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao,” he said.

“We once again urge the Philippines to abide by the already reached agreements and understandings, observe the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and respect the common will of regional countries in keeping the South China Sea peaceful and stable, rather than heighten tensions in the region,” the spokesperson concluded.