Philippines-China deal: Clashing claims amid 'fragile truce' over Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines — Disgruntled over China's immediate "mischaracterization" of the deal it struck over Ayungin Shoal, Philippine officials now appear to be on a wait-and-see approach on whether their provisional arrangement with Beijing is enough to keep tensions from again flaring up.

Exactly what the Philippines and China agreed upon has yet to be spelled out to the public. Both the Philippines and China decided not to disclose the text yet to "give it a chance to work first," said National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya in a One News interview on July 23.

"And later, when we see the sincerity of both sides, then we will be able to release those details," Malaya said.

But for retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio, what was clear was that there was "no meeting of the minds" as the Philippines refuted China's messaging about the deal just hours after its announcement.

The Philippines on July 21 announced that it had “reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement” with China to de-escalate tensions during its resupply missions to decommissioned navy vessel BRP Sierra Madre aground on Ayungin Shoal after months of aggressive altercations came to a head in June.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two parties reached an agreement to "[avoid] misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.”

First instance. Less than a day after the DFA announced the agreement, China, through a spokesperson, issued a statement alleging the Philippines would "inform China in advance" prior to its resupply missions. China's statement also implied the Philippines would eventually "[tow] away" the warship.

The Philippines' response came within hours. "I want to stress that the agreement was concluded with the clear understanding by both sides that it will not prejudice our respective national positions," said DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza on the morning of July 22.

Malaya said he was "shocked" to read China's statement as it was Chinese officials who asked for a sit-down talk.

But the actual test of the durability