Año calls China’s bluff: There’s no ‘gentleman’s agreement’

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO

MANILA, Philippines —  National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Thursday called China’s bluff on the so-called gentleman’s agreement to maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea.

In an ambush interview in Malacañang about the alleged deal, Año dismissed such notions, saying there was no such thing.

READ: Gibo Teodoro: Beware of ‘trap set by Chinese propaganda’

“The Chinese have always talked about the gentleman’s agreement, but they cannot show anything that there is, even a document, or even identify somebody that said that,” said Año.

“For the meantime, we will fight for our rights, we will make sure we are protecting our maritime agreement and ensuring our maritime rights in our EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” said Año.

According to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, former president Rodrigo Duterte struck a deal with China to maintain the peace in the disputed waters.

However, another presidential spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, also said no such gentleman’s agreement was made.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has since said that talk of such agreements could be Chinese propaganda.