Philippine military chief accuses China of ‘malicious influence attempts’

MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines’ military chief accused China on Wednesday of a “malicious influence attempt” after a local newspaper reported that a Philippine vice admiral had struck a deal with Beijing to defuse tensions in the South China Sea. escalate.

The Manila Times published a transcript of a phone call saying a Philippine admiral had agreed to China’s proposal for a “new model” in which the Philippines would use fewer ships on supply missions to troops at the controversial Second Thomas. Shoal, and give Beijing advance notice of missions.

Reuters did not hear the reported phone call and could not verify the contents of the published transcript. The Manila Times said the conversation took place in January and the transcript was provided by a “senior Chinese official,” who was not named.

The shoal has been the focus of a series of heated clashes between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine ships over the past year, straining ties between the two neighbors. The Philippines has refused to heed China’s calls to leave the area.

“China’s claim of an audio recording … does not merit significant concern as it appears to be a malign influence attempt by the Chinese Communist Party,” military chief Romeo Brawner said in a statement.

“Transcripts can be easily produced and audio recordings can be produced using deep fakes. These reports are only intended as a distraction from the continued aggressive behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard.”

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not respond to requests for comment on the Manila Times transcript. There was no immediate response to Brawner’s statement.

‘FACTS ARE CLEAR’

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Wednesday that the embassy in Manila released details of “relevant communications” between the two countries on the management of the situation at the Second Thomas Shoal. Lin did not elaborate further.

“The facts are clear and are supported by hard evidence that cannot be denied,” Lin said in comments during a regular briefing shared by the embassy.

“The Philippines has insisted on denying these objective facts and is trying to mislead the international community.”

The two countries have been embroiled in a series of standoffs in disputed areas of the South China Sea as the Philippines, emboldened by support from the United States and other allies, steps up activities in Chinese-controlled waters coast guard.

China has accused the Philippines of trespassing and treason. The Philippines has rebuked Beijing for what it says is a policy of aggression and dangerous maneuvering within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

China has long been annoyed by the Philippines’ stationing of a small group of Marines at the Second Thomas Shoal aboard a warship it deliberately grounded 25 years ago.

Beijing has repeatedly said the Philippines had agreed to tow that ship away, which Manila has rejected.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)