The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines denied claims that Chinese companies or "sleeper cells" were trying to infiltrate the country, saying those were merely accusations that intended to incite Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines.

The Embassy said this after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) disclosed that suspected Chinese companies pretending to be American or European enterprises have been recruiting Filipino soldiers as analysts online, raising concerns for the country's national security.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 10, the Chinese Embassy in Manila disregarded the claims as groundless accusations.

"Those are merely malicious speculation and groundless accusation against China with the purpose of inciting Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines. We firmly oppose this," it said.

While it said that the friendship that both countries share has always been the mainstream of their bilateral relations, the Embassy thought someone trying to sway Filipinos against China.

The Embassy expressed optimism that Filipinos would not be fooled into believing the false narratives.

"There seems to be an 'invisible hand' here disseminating disinformation about China, hyping up maritime disputes between the two countries, amplifying our maritime differences, creating tension, and even fearmongering about war," it said.

"It aims at nothing but poisoning the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations and disrupting their development. We believe that the Filipino people have discerning eyes and can see through these shenanigans, and shall not be deceived by false narratives," it added.

'Not us'

The Chinese Embassy reminded Filipinos that China never invaded the Philippines and that it was other countries that were its successive invaders and colonizers.

"The friendly relations between China and the Philippines date back over a thousand years, in the course of which China has never invaded the Philippines," it said.

"China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," it added.

According to the Embassy, insinuations that there were Chinese "sleeper cells" were mere fabrications.

"The so-called 'sleeper cells' of China in the Philippines [are] nothing but [a] fabrication," it said.

"Instead, we see habitual meddling in other nations’ internal affairs, fostering domestic division and confrontation, and instigating “color revolutions” by some country," it added.

The Chinese Embassy, instead, urged relevant parties in the Philippines to stop spinning false narratives and arousing anti-China sentiments.

"It is hoped that the Philippine side, taking into account the broader context of China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, will return to the right track of dialogue and consultation at the earliest opportunity, meet China halfway, manage differences through concrete actions, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations," it said.