China has called on the Philippines to stop “shadow-chasing” and peddling reports about an alleged Chinese spy arrested in Manila. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized that Chinese nationals abroad are expected to follow local laws and urged the Philippines to focus on facts and protect the rights of Chinese citizens. This statement came in response to the arrest of a Chinese national and two Filipinos suspected of espionage activities, including gathering data from military and government sites. The Bureau of Immigration revealed that the Chinese suspect had been traveling to the Philippines since 2015 and is reportedly married to a Filipina. The Armed Forces of the Philippines suggested that a foreign power might be mapping out the country,citing recent espionage incidents,underwater drone recoveries,and cases of fake identities. However, officials refrained from directly accusing China, emphasizing the need for evidence-based conclusions.
China Urges Philippines to Stop “Shadow-Chasing” Over Alleged Spy Case
China has called on the Philippines to cease what it describes as “shadow-chasing” and to stop promoting reports about an alleged Chinese spy arrested in Manila. The statement, made by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, underscores Beijing’s expectation that Chinese nationals abroad adhere to local laws while urging Manila to focus on facts and protect the rights of Chinese citizens.
The Espionage Allegations
The controversy stems from the recent arrest of a 39-year-old Chinese national and two Filipinos suspected of conducting espionage activities.According to reports, the suspects allegedly gathered data from military bases, police camps, and local government offices, transmitting it through a remote request on their equipment.The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed that the Chinese suspect had been traveling in and out of the philippines since 2015 and is reportedly married to a Filipina.
The suspects also visited Enhanced defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, which are joint military locations between the Philippines and the United States. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned that the collected data could be used for military purposes, raising concerns about national security.
China’s Response
In a press conference in Beijing, Mao Ning addressed the allegations, stating, “The Chinese government, as always, asks Chinese nationals overseas to abide by local laws and regulations.” She added, “We hope the Philippines will stick to the fact, stop shadow-chasing, stop peddling the so-called ‘Chinese spy,’ and earnestly protect the lawful rights and interests of chinese nationals in the Philippines.”
The Chinese government’s response highlights its efforts to distance itself from the espionage allegations while emphasizing the importance of protecting its citizens abroad.
Broader concerns Over Foreign Influence
The AFP has raised broader concerns about foreign powers perhaps mapping out the Philippines. Recent incidents, including the recovery of underwater drones and cases of fake identities among foreign nationals, have fueled these suspicions. AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margeth Padilla stated that the military is “looking at the bigger picture” and “connecting the dots.”
However, officials have refrained from directly accusing China. philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized, “I do not want to speculate on anything. We base our statements on facts.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Arrested individuals | 1 Chinese national, 2 Filipinos |
| Alleged Activities | Espionage, data collection from military and government sites |
| Chinese Suspect | Traveled to the Philippines since 2015, reportedly married to a Filipina |
| China’s Response | Urged Philippines to stop “shadow-chasing” and protect Chinese nationals |
| AFP’s Concerns | Suspects foreign power mapping out the Philippines |
moving Forward
As tensions simmer between the two nations, the Philippines faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with diplomatic relations.The espionage allegations,coupled with China’s firm response,underscore the complexities of international relations in the region.For now, the focus remains on gathering evidence and ensuring that all actions are grounded in facts. As Rear Admiral Trinidad aptly put it, speculation must give way to evidence-based conclusions.
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