Chinese Embassy Firmly Denies Philippine Espionage Allegations
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has issued a strong rebuttal to the National Security Commission's recent report detailing what it described as a serious national security matter involving espionage activities allegedly linked to China. In a formal statement, embassy representative Ji Lingpeng categorically rejected the allegations, maintaining China's adherence to the principle of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs.
Accusations Labeled as Malicious Smears
"We firmly oppose and strongly deplore irresponsible remarks made by certain Philippine agencies peddling so-called Chinese spy narratives," Ji declared. "Such accusations represent malicious smears against China and constitute yet another attempt to hype up the so-called China threat rhetoric." The embassy official emphasized that these claims lack substantive evidence and reflect what he characterized as politically motivated presumption of guilt.
Ji specifically referenced recent developments, including the arrest of a Mongolian national by Philippine authorities in Zambales province over espionage allegations connected to China. The Chinese embassy explicitly denied any involvement in the arrested individual's activities, stating that this case demonstrates the fundamental flaws in rushing to judgment before facts are fully established.
Pattern of Fabricated Cases Alleged
"For some time, the Philippines has fabricated a series of so-called Chinese spy cases based on far-fetched allegations," Ji asserted. "This represents a typical act of ill-intentioned association and politically motivated presumption of guilt in the absence of detailed information on the case and clear evidence. We firmly reject such practices."
The embassy spokesperson warned that persistent anti-China sentiment could damage bilateral relations, stating that "mutual respect forms the foundation of China-Philippines relations. If certain individuals or agencies in the Philippines persist in hyping up anti-China sentiments and recklessly targeting anything related to China, it will only undermine the atmosphere of cooperation and ultimately backfire."
Philippine Security Agency's Claims
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the National Security Commission had announced the arrest of Filipino individuals who reportedly confessed to involvement in espionage activities connected to China. The agency described this as a "serious national security matter" and assured the public that operations conducted by these individuals acting on behalf of Chinese intelligence had been addressed and terminated.
NSC spokesperson Cornelio Valencia revealed that among the information allegedly relayed to Chinese intelligence units by the arrested Filipinos were details concerning the Philippines' resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, highlighting the strategic significance of the alleged espionage activities.
Call for Restraint and Objectivity
The Chinese embassy urged Philippine authorities to exercise restraint, stating: "We urge the relevant Philippine agencies to stop shadow-chasing and making groundless accusations and refrain from using so-called espionage claims as a pretext to disrupt normal people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and undermine the bilateral relations."
Ji emphasized that "rushing to judgment before the facts are fully ascertained is fundamentally flawed and runs counter to the basic principles of objectivity and fairness," suggesting that the Philippine allegations lacked proper investigative rigor and evidentiary support.
