The Philippines refuted China’s assertion of a maritime agreement between the two countries regarding tensions in the South China Sea, dismissing it as propaganda. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that his department had no knowledge of such an agreement since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office in 2022, emphasizing that there had been no communication with Chinese officials since last year. The dispute revolves around the Second Thomas Shoal, where China and the Philippines have clashed, with Manila accusing Beijing of disrupting supply missions to Filipino soldiers. Teodoro labeled China’s claims as propaganda and affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its maritime claims.