Q: According to Philippine media reports, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology are investigating that suspected Chinese companies pretending to be American or European enterprises allegedly have been recruiting Filipino soldiers as analysts online. Certain senator questioned that the Philippine Retirement Authority’s policy of issuing special resident retiree visas to Chinese nationals of “soldier’s age” adversely impacts the national security of the Philippines. Some Philippine media in their reports of the two stories again insinuated the so-called China’s “sleeper cells” in the Philippines, invoking the instance of Japanese spy Takeo Yoshikawa at Pearl Harbor during WWII. What is the embassy’s comment on this?

A: Those are merely malicious speculation and groundless accusation against China with the purpose of inciting Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines. We firmly oppose this.

China-Philippines friendship has always been the mainstream of our bilateral relations and the aspiration of the two peoples. However, there seems to be an “invisible hand” here disseminating disinformation about China, hyping up maritime disputes between the two countries, amplifying our maritime differences, creating tension, and even fearmongering about war. It aims at nothing but poisoning the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations and disrupting their development. We believe that the Filipino people have discerning eyes and can see through these shenanigans, and shall not be deceived by false narratives.

History is the best teacher to help sober up. The friendly relations between China and the Philippines date back over a thousand years, in the course of which China has never invaded the Philippines. It was not China but other countries that were the successive invaders and colonizers of the Philippines. China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The so-called “sleeper cells” of China in the Philippines is nothing but fabrication. Instead, we see habitual meddling in other nations’ internal affairs, fostering domestic division and confrontation, and instigating “color revolutions” by some country.

We urge relevant parties in the Philippines to keep up with the trend of the times and listen to the people of both countries, stop spinning false narratives and arousing anti-China sentiments. It is hoped that the Philippine side, taking into account the broader context of China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, will return to the right track of dialogue and consultation at the earliest opportunity, meet China half way, manage differences through concrete actions, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations.