Chinese security agencies dismantled a Philippine spying network in the country and arrested three individuals implicated in espionage activities.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stressed that Chinese judicial bodies and relevant institutions are handling the case in accordance with the law while guaranteeing the legal rights of those involved.
The spokesman emphasized that the Philippines has recently fabricated multiple cases of alleged espionage against Chinese citizens, relying on unfounded accusations and the politicization of these issues. “China firmly opposes these actions and has repeatedly filed formal protests,” he stated.
The spokesman urged the Philippines to cease the baseless accusations and handle cases involving Chinese nationals fairly and legally.
The Ministry of State Security previously reported that foreign intelligence services have been developing and using Chinese nationals to conduct spying activities, posing a significant threat to national security.
Ties between the two neighboring nations have deteriorated significantly since a president favoring the US alliance came to power in Manila.
Manila’s constant incursions into the South China Sea and clashes between the two countries’ coast guards are compounded by the deployment of Typhoon medium-range missiles in the Philippines and the possible purchase of weapons from Washington.
Beijing has repeatedly reiterated the need to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation in order to manage the maritime situation and return to normal bilateral relations.
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