Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. denied on Sunday that his department had entered into a “new model” accord with Beijing to manage disputes in the West Philippine Sea, particularly at Ayungin Shoal. “I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense (DND) is a party to any ‘new model’ is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila,” Teodoro told journalists. “And it is curious that it (China’s pronouncement) comes right after their actions (of using water cannons against Philippine vessels) were condemned in the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii,” he added.

Kabagani, L. J. (2024, May 6). 'China's deal claim absurd, ludicrous'. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.