Foreign Ministry claims proof of Beijing-Manila correspondence regarding Ren'ai Reef issue

Facts regarding the arrangements between Beijing and Manila on managing the Ren'ai Reef issue are clear and backed by solid evidence that cannot be denied, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

China may soon release audio of a purported phone call with a Philippine military official that Beijing claims is evidence of an agreement over disputes in the South China Sea, Bloomberg News cited Chinese officials as saying.

In a Jan 3 phone call, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, head of the Philippine military's Western Command, agreed to a "new model" for handling resupply missions to the Ren'ai Reef, according to a transcript provided by Chinese officials to Bloomberg News.

The transcript may be released to the public within days, said the officials.

According to the transcript, the two sides agreed that only one Philippine Coast Guard ship and one civilian vessel would be involved in the resupply mission to the grounded vessel in Ren'ai Reef.

The Philippines will notify China at least two days ahead of a resupply mission comprising only food, water and other humanitarian supplies.

The Philippines has insisted on denying these objective facts and seeks to mislead the international community, which only hurts its credibility and undermines peace and stability in the South China Sea, Lin, the spokesman, said.

He urged the Philippines to honor its commitment, immediately stop maritime infringements and provocation and return to the right track of properly handling disputes with China through dialogue and consultation.