China attaches great importance to protecting the personal safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines. We express serious concern over the recent frequent apprehensions of Chinese citizens by the Philippine military and law enforcement authorities.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines have lodged solemn representations with the Philippine side immediately upon each incident. We ask the Philippine side to notify the Chinese diplomatic missions, within 4 days, of the facts and reasons for which Chinese nationals have been detained, arrested or deprived of freedom by any means whether the national requests it or not in compliance with the Consular Agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines. 

We urge the Philippine side to handle the cases in a fair and just manner in accordance with law, and earnestly safeguard the personal safety, legitimate rights and interests, and humane treatment of the Chinese nationals involved. Should the investigation confirm that they have violated no Philippine laws, the relevant Chinese nationals shall be released as soon as possible, and no illegal or prolonged detention shall be allowed. 

Meanwhile, the Embassy and Consulates have promptly provided consular protection and assistance to the affected Chinese nationals, conducted multiple consular visits, and helped improve their detention conditions and address practical difficulties.

It must be stressed that China fully respects the Philippines’ judicial sovereignty and its efforts to handle cases in accordance with law. However, we firmly oppose selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese nationals. China urges the Philippine side to properly resolve relevant cases in accordance with law at an early date, refrain from abuse of law enforcement powers and political manipulation, and avoid undermining the personal safety, legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, so as not to disrupt and damage normal people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade relations between the two countries. The Chinese side reserves the right to take further measures.

Given the growing number of incidents involving the apprehension of Chinese nationals by the Philippine law enforcement authorities, the Embassy once again reminds Chinese citizens staying in the Philippines to abide by local laws and regulations, engage in lawful employment and business activities, stay away from acts inconsistent with the purpose of entry or visa category, and avoid overstaying.

In case of emergency, please contact the following hotlines:

Consular Protection and Assistance Hotlines of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines:

Embassy in the Philippines: 0063-2-82311033

Consulate-General in Cebu: 0063-32-3430008

Consulate-General in Davao: 0063-9271304354

Consulate in Laoag: 0063-9178051226

Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 0086-10-12308, 0086-10-65612308.