The Philippines' military chief accused China of a "malign influence effort" on Wednesday, after a local newspaper reported a Philippine vice admiral had made a deal with Beijing to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea.
The Manila Times published what it said was a transcript of a phone conversation during which it said a Philippine admiral had agreed to China's proposal of a "new model," where the Philippines would use fewer vessels in resupply missions to troops at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, and notify Beijing about missions in advance.
The Manila Times said the conversation had taken place in January and the transcript was provided by a "ranking Chinese official" who it did not name.