Teodoro doubts China's espionage claims against Filipinos

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. cast doubt on Beijing's espionage allegations against three Filipinos arrested in China, questioning the country's capability and interest in conducting such operations.

Teodoro emphasized during a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart that the Philippines lacks both the inclination and capability to conduct surveillance abroad, particularly in a closed society like China where strict surveillance makes such activities futile.

He also noted that the Philippine government has no interest in knowing what happens inside Chinese territory, focusing instead on China's actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Earlier this month, China claimed it had 'destroyed' an intelligence network set up by the 'Philippine Intelligence Agency' and arrested three Filipinos who were previous recipients of the Hainan Government Scholarship Program.

The National Security Council expressed alarm over the espionage charges and alleged confession of the three Filipinos, while the DFA conveyed to Chinese authorities to ensure due process with full respect for their rights.