MANILA –
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 de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea.
The Manila Times published a transcript of a telephone conversation saying a Philippine admiral had agreed to China’s proposal for a “new model” under which the Philippines would use fewer ships on supply missions to troops at the embattled Second Thomas. Shoal, and give Beijing advance notice of missions.
The Manila Times said the conversation took place in January and the transcript was provided by a “senior Chinese official” who was not named.
