China urges PH to protect rights of arrested Chinese national accused of espionage

China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, urged the Philippines to stop spreading groundless accusations regarding the recent arrest of a Chinese national alleged to have engaged in espionage activities.

Mao emphasized that China expects its citizens to comply with local laws and regulations while urging Philippine authorities to protect the rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the country.

On Monday, January 20, military officials revealed the arrest of one Chinese national and two Filipinos accused of conducting surveillance operations on both military and civilian facilities, including Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites.

The family and a friend of the arrested Chinese national, identified as Deng Yuanqing, denied the accusations, asserting his innocence.

Among the confiscated items were devices used for precise mapping and surveillance, highlighting the seriousness of the alleged espionage activities.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that authorities had obtained records showing Deng has been traveling in and out of the Philippines since 2015 and is allegedly married to a Filipina.

The Chinese Embassy expressed concerns about the case and requested consular visitation rights for the detained individual, urging Philippine authorities to handle the matter according to the law and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.