MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila addressed allegations regarding the presence of 'sleeper cells' in the Philippines on Friday, categorically denying such claims and describing them as unfounded and harmful.
According to Philippines News Agency, the arrest of two Chinese nationals on October 16 in Pasig City, found in possession of high-powered firearms, has been unduly escalated by certain parties. The embassy criticized those who it says have exploited the incident to levy unwarranted accusations against China and its citizens. The statement from the embassy reiterated China's commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal matters of sovereign nations.
While not pinpointing specific individuals, the embassy remarked that comments and actions from certain Filipino entities contradicted the understanding reached between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping. The two leaders had agreed to de-emphasize maritime disputes and pursue solutions through dialogue. The embassy expressed its disapproval of what it perceives as attempts to derail diplomatic progress.
The rebuttal from the Chinese diplomatic mission came in response to assertions made by Rafael Alunan III, a former Interior and Local Government secretary. In a newspaper column dated October 24, Alunan interpreted the apprehension of the Chinese nationals as indicative of sinister motives by China, suggesting the positioning of covert operatives for potential future operations.