China has called on Filipino politicians to refrain from using the election as an opportunity to propagate" China-related issues and for making accusations for selfish gains.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the statement following the arrest of a Chinese national allegedly carrying surveillance equipment near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila.

Guo reiterated that Beijing has no interest in Manila's internal affairs.

"We will not interfere and have no interest in interfering in the relevant internal affairs of the Philippines," Guo said.

"We also advise certain politicians in the Philippines not to use it as an opportunity to propagate China-related issues and make groundless accusations for selfish gains," he added.

The Chinese official also said that they are communicating with the Philippine government to gain more information on the case of the alleged Chinese spy.

"Regarding what you mentioned, the Chinese side is communicating with and trying to get more information from the Philippine side," he said.

He further pointed out that "China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs."

On April 29, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a male suspect and confiscated spy devices from his vehicle parked outside the Comelec main office.

Malacañang labeled the incident as "quite alarming" and an "issue of national security," saying an investigation will push through.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) disclosed that there are indications of alleged Chinese state-sponsored information operations in the country aimed at interfering with the country’s upcoming May 2025 midterm elections.

China has since denied the alleged interference, saying that it has "no interest in interfering in Philippine elections."