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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China hits 'irresponsible remarks' alleging 'secret agents' in PH

China hits 'irresponsible remarks' alleging 'secret agents' in PH

Published Nov 4, 2023 02:17 am

China has lashed out against "certain Filipino officials" for supposedly making irresponsible remarks over the arrest of two Chinese nationals who were found with high-powered firearms and suspected to be Beijing's secret agents in the country.

In a statement on Friday night, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said there is no destabilization plot by China in the Philippines, as earlier pointed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that is investigating the case.

The embassy also said it is working with Philippine authorities to investigate the case of the Chinese nationals whose house in Pasig City was raided and yielded various firearms.

Former Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Rafael Alunan in a recent Facebook post implied that there are "sleeper cells" or a secretive group of agents in the country and added that "signs are clear" as proven by the arrest of the Chinese individuals.

"China’s supporting most probably proxy organizations like rebel groups, friendship societies, business conglomerates and united fronts to advance China’s core interest of 'indisputable sovereignty' in our maritime domains and to take effective control of the country," Alunan claimed as he noted the increasing tension between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea.

Without mentioning anyone in particular, the Chinese embassy said "some individuals with ulterior motives took advantage of an isolated case and blew things out of proportion by making groundless accusations against China and the Chinese people."

It added that "certain Filipino officials went as far as disseminating such highly irresponsible remarks, dramatizing and hyping up maritime differences, vilifying the performance of normal duties and exchanges of Chinese institutions and personnel, and even inciting racial hatred and sowing Sinophobic sentiments."

The embassy said it is strongly opposing and condemning "such baseless allegations and malicious spreading of disinformation."

China said it always adheres to non-interference in the international affairs of other countries, but is instead committed to dialogue to handle differences.

The embassy said "the irresponsible words and deeds of the relevant Filipino individuals run counter to the consensus of our two heads of state that maritime differences should be put in a proper place and well managed through dialogue and consultation, thus creating disruption to the diplomatic efforts."

"It is hoped that the Philippine side will work in the same direction with China and follow through on the consensus between the two heads of state so as to jointly safeguard our bilateral relations and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," it added.

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