Q: According to Philippine media reports, the National Bureau of Investigation of the Philippines recently arrested several Chinese nationals in Pasig city and seized some firearms and ammunition. Certain Filipino individuals allege that this discovery indicates China’s malevolent intentions by prepositioning clandestine forces for future action with Chinese Trojan horses and sleeper cells nationwide in the Philippines and that Chinese disguised with various identities have been engaging in criminal activities and spying in the Philippines. What is the Embassy’s comment on this?

A: We have taken note of the relevant reports and details of the case. The Chinese Embassy is working with the Philippine law enforcement authorities to investigate the said case to jointly combat transnational criminal activities. We have also noted that the NBI officer working on this case pointed out that “there’s no truth that this is part of the plan of the Chinese to create a destabilization plot in the country”. Nevertheless, some individuals with ulterior motives took advantage of an isolated case and blew things out of proportion by making groundless accusations against China and the Chinese people. Certain Filipino officials went as far as disseminating such highly irresponsible remarks, dramatizing and hyping up maritime differences, vilifying the performance of normal duties and exchanges of Chinese institutions and personnel, and even inciting racial hatred and sowing Sinophobic sentiments. We strongly oppose and condemn such baseless allegations and malicious spreading of disinformation.

China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China has always been dedicated to properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, so as to preserve stability in the South China Sea. The irresponsible words and deeds of the relevant Filipino individuals run counter to the consensus of our two heads of state that maritime differences should be put in a proper place and well managed through dialogue and consultation, thus creating disruption to the diplomatic efforts. It is hoped that the Philippine side will work in the same direction with China and follow through on the consensus between the two heads of state so as to jointly safeguard our bilateral relations and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.