April 27, 2024 12:55 PM

Philippines denies deal with China over disputed South China Sea shoal

The Philippines on Saturday denied a Chinese claim that the two countries had reached an agreement over an escalating maritime dispute in the South China Sea, calling the claim propaganda.   A spokesperson at China's embassy in Manila said on April 18 that the two had agreed early this year to a "new model" in managing tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal, without elaborating.   Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday his department was "not aware of, nor is it a part...