22-5-2024 (MANILA) Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, former chief of the military’s Western Command, denied on Wednesday that he had agreed to a “new model” for easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Speaking at a Senate hearing, Carlos clarified that his conversation with a Chinese embassy military attaché in January was casual and informal.
Carlos, recently replaced as the commander overseeing troops in the West Philippine Sea, recounted his phone conversation with a Chinese military official known as Colonel Li. The discussion, held in January, focused on reducing tensions during resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
“I did not forge any agreement at the level and magnitude that would bind our two countries for the long term and redefine foreign policy,” Carlos asserted. “I did not enter into any secret deals that will compromise the interests of our country. We are on the same team,” he added, calling for unity against “false narratives.”
The Philippine government has reiterated that no agreements with China have been made concerning the Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing that only President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can authorize such deals regarding the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila recently released a recording and transcript of the phone call between the Chinese diplomat and Carlos, referring to a supposed “new model” arrangement for the Ayungin Shoal. Carlos, however, refuted discussing any “new model” with the Chinese official.
“The terms ‘common understanding’ and ‘new model’ were not part of our conversation,” Carlos explained to the senators. “We were exploring ways to reduce the tension stemming from the December 2023 rotation and resupply mission, where our supply ships were water-cannoned. We were planning for the next RORE (rotation and resupply operation),” he added.
Carlos also condemned the recording of his phone call by the Chinese Embassy without his consent. “I denounce the act of the Chinese Embassy to record the conversation without my consent, and even more so to release it to the public with a malicious twist to support the corrosive narrative of the People’s Republic of China,” he stated.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday that his administration is investigating the alleged wiretapping incident. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice are also probing the potential illegal activities of foreign diplomats, responding to calls to investigate China’s possible violations of the Anti-Wiretapping Act and diplomatic protocols.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reminded foreign diplomats to respect Philippine laws and regulations, emphasizing that diplomatic immunity is not absolute.
The Philippines has consistently condemned China’s increasingly aggressive actions in its claimed waters, which include ramming supply and Coast Guard boats and using water cannons.
