(Photo/Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines)
In response to the Philippines authorities' arresting a Chinese national accused of “espionage activities” in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated on Sunday that the accusation is “baseless and defamatory,” adding that it has lodged a formal protest with the Philippine authorities, demanding consular access to the detained Chinese national.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy said that the embassy is highly concerned about the case and is in contact with the detained Chinese national’s family and providing consular protection and assistance.
“We urge Philippine authorities to act based on facts, refrain from presuming guilt and avoid political speculation,” said the spokesperson.
The Chinese embassy urged the Philippines to handle the case according to the law and to honor bilateral consular agreement obligations by granting the embassy officials to consular access as soon as possible and to ensure the legitimate rights of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.