China to PH: Stop sensationalizing Chinese spy speculation

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Chinese government dismissed suspicions of Chinese spies in the Philippines amid the recent arrest of a Chinese national supposedly conducting espionage activities.

In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Philippine government should verify its statements.

“We urge the Philippine side to base their actions on facts, cease the sensational speculation about so-called ‘Chinese spies,’” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

She added that Beijing has consistently required its citizens abroad to comply with local laws and regulations.

Mao said Philippine authorities should ensure "to safeguard the safety of Chinese nationals to effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines".

‘Chinese spy’ arrest

Authorities have uncovered potential espionage activities targeting military facilities following the arrest of a Chinese national and two Filipino accomplices.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said the alleged Chinese spy had been living in the country for an extended period and had successfully "blended in."

"We have a copy of his passport and we are verifying the details with the Bureau of Immigration. He has probably been here for about five years," said Jeremy Lotoc, head of the NBI Cybercrime Division.

"Yung galawan niya nasa normal lang kaya niya mag blend in sa iba't ibang grupo more or less five years na siya dito sa Pilipinas," he added.

[Translation: His movements appeared normal, which made it easy for him to integrate into various groups. He has been in the Philippines for around five years.]

Authorities said the operation involved sophisticated equipment to map out critical infrastructure across the country.

The alleged spy employed a device known as GNSS RTK (Global Navigation Satellite System Real-Time Kinematics), a technology typically for precise mapping, navigation, artillery targeting, and supply chain management.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner some activities of the suspect and his cohorts occurred near military sites.

"Very possible when we look at the areas that were the areas that this group went to nakita namin na EDCA sites yung iba so very possible that the coordinates and the topography continues for military purposes and military targeting purposes," Brawner said.

[Translation: It is very possible that some of the areas visited by this group were EDCA sites. Given this, it is likely that the coordinates and topography collected were intended for military and targeting purposes.]

The recent arrests prompted lawmakers and the National Security Council (NSC) to push for the amendment of the aging Anti-Espionage Act.