China has publicized what it claims is an unwritten 2016 agreement with the Philippines over access to South China Sea islands, threatening to escalate tensions in the disputed waterway. The agreement allowed small scale fishing around the islands but restricted access by military, coast guard, and other official planes and ships within the territorial waters. The Chinese Embassy in Manila stated that the Philippines reneged on the agreement to fulfill its political agenda, leading to disputes between the two countries over the past year.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte have denied forging any agreements that surrendered Philippine sovereignty or rights to China. Any such action would be considered an impeachable offense under the country’s constitution. Despite this, Duterte hinted at an agreement after his visit to Beijing, but did not provide details. China’s claim relies on Duterte’s verbal claim as there is no official document to prove the agreement, according to naval affairs expert Collin Koh.
President Marcos denied knowledge of any secret agreement with China and stated that he would rescind it if there was one. Duterte, who previously had friendly relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stated that he and Xi agreed to maintain the status quo in the disputed waters to prevent conflict. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has ordered an investigation into the supposed “gentleman’s agreement,” while Chinese officials claim the Philippines promised to remove a navy ship grounded at Second Thomas Shoal.
China has accused Manila of violating commitments and acting illegally in the South China Sea, where multiple countries have overlapping claims. Skirmishes between China and the Philippines have increased, with Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons against Philippine patrol vessels. The U.S., a treaty ally of the Philippines, has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets in the region to challenge China’s claims and has warned that it will defend the Philippines in the event of an armed attack in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a critical waterway for global trade, fishing stocks, gas, and oil, with multiple countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, also asserting claims in the region. Beijing has rejected an international arbitration ruling that invalidated its expansive claims in the sea. The U.S. has conducted freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea to uphold international law and challenge China’s territorial claims. Despite the ongoing disputes, communication between the countries remains essential to prevent further escalation and maintain peace in the region.
