Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stressed China's "utmost efforts and sincerity" in managing differences through dialogue and consultation at a press conference on Tuesday.

Lin referred to a "gentleman's agreement" reached in late 2021 between China and the Philippines, which he said "fully reflects the intensive bilateral communication and negotiation" between the two sides, although the spokesman accused Manila of reneging on the agreement last February.

The spokesman said his country "repeatedly negotiated through diplomatic channels with the Philippine military in early this year to establish a 'new model'" for the delivery of essential supplies to Ayungin Shoal (also known as Ren'ai Jiao in China or Second Thomas Shoal), where the Philippines maintains a small detachment on the grounded former navy ship Sierra Madre, which it has used to stake its sovereignty claim since 1999.

Lin said this arrangement was supposed to have been implemented last February, but was abandoned shortly afterwards by Manila.

"The statements from the Philippine side cannot negate the objective facts of the agreements reached, including the 'gentleman's agreement', the internal understanding and the 'new model'," the spokesman said.

Lin stressed that these understandings and consensus are aimed at managing differences, avoiding conflict, building trust and maintaining peace and stability in the area.

Last Tuesday, Chinese coast guard vessels again fired water cannon at Philippine boats, causing damage, in the disputed waters off Scarborough Shoal.

Similar incidents occurred last March, when Chinese coast guard and militia vessels used water cannons against Philippine vessels on resupply missions to the Sierra Madre.

Since taking office in June 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strengthened defence ties with the US and been critical of Beijing's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

In July 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favour of the Philippines in a case it brought against China over Scarborough Shoal, which lies less than 200 miles (321 kilometres) from the Philippine island of Luzon and well within Manila's exclusive economic zone under international law.

Beijing has refused to abide by the ruling, citing historical reasons for its claim to sovereignty over virtually the entire South China Sea, a claim that overlaps with those of several other nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

The strategic waterway, through which about 30 percent of global maritime trade passes, is also home to rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas deposits, which the US insists should be open to freedom of navigation.

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