China stresses 'new model' agreement with Philipines on South China Sea dispute

China reiterated its claim on Monday (May 6) that Beijing and Manila had agreed on a "new model" in handling their escalating maritime dispute in the South China Sea.

'Kasinungalingan': Chinese 'lies' meant to justify water cannon incident - Coast Guard

The Philippines and China have had several confrontations at disputed atolls in the South China Sea, most notably at the Second Thomas Shoal.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian, said that China and the Philippines reached a "gentleman's agreement" with the aim of managing differences, avoiding conflict and establishing mutual trust.

The Philippines has denied that such an agreement was reached and previously called the claim propaganda.

Last week, Manila protested Beijing's use of water cannons against Filipino vessels at the submerged reef, describing it as harassment and "dangerous manoeuvres", after a rise in tensions in recent months.

China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

An international tribunal in 2016 said China's expansive claim had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.

(Production: Wang Shubing, Nicoco Chan)