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Beijing agreed to stop blocking Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal as long as the Chinese would have access to Recto Bank. Duterte argued banning Chinese fishermen from the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) would cause problems. He confirmed the deal in a speech last week but his spokesman has revealed the deal has not been signed and is informal.

South China Sea: Beijing attacked by US for ‘truly disturbing’ testing

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said on ANC's Early Edition: “That was more of an informal agreement rather than documented.

“I don't think they signed an agreement. They just talk.

“You know world leaders they have a word of honour.”

Panelo was asked is the agreement was legally binding despite the lack of documentation.

READ MORE: Shockwaves sent through South China Sea as Japan gets involved