China has criticized the Philippines for its handling of reports about a supposed Chinese spy apprehended in Manila, urging the country to avoid “shadow-chasing” and speculative narratives.
“The Chinese government, as always, asks Chinese nationals overseas to abide by local laws and regulations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a press briefing in Beijing.
She added, “We hope the Philippines will stick to the facts, stop shadow-chasing, stop peddling the so-called ‘Chinese spy,’ and earnestly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.”
Alleged Espionage Activities
The remarks followed the arrest of a 39-year-old Chinese national and two Filipino accomplices accused of espionage. According to Philippine authorities, the group allegedly gathered intelligence from military bases, police camps, and local government offices.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that the Chinese suspect has been traveling in and out of the Philippines since 2015 and is reportedly married to a Filipina.
Authorities said the suspects visited Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites jointly used by the Philippines and the United States. Data allegedly collected during these visits was transmitted via remote applications, potentially for military purposes.
Philippines’ Response to Espionage Concerns
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acknowledged recent incidents suggest the presence of foreign intelligence activities, including espionage, underwater drone recoveries, and cases involving fake foreign identities.
“We are looking at the bigger picture and connecting the dots,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margeth Padilla. However, when asked directly if China was behind the alleged spying activities, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Philippine Navy stated, “I do not want to speculate. We base our statements on facts.”
Ongoing Investigation
The BI has secured records of the Chinese national as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, GMA News Online has sought a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the Chinese government’s response.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relations between the Philippines and China amid maritime and geopolitical disputes.