Tolentino calls for expelling Chinese diplomats over alleged interference

Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino on Wednesday suggested expelling Chinese diplomats from the Philippines following allegations of foreign interference in internal affairs and upcoming midterm elections.

Leading a Senate investigation into alleged meddling by foreign entities, including links between the Chinese Embassy and InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Tolentino cited Canada's 2023 decision to expel high-ranking Chinese diplomats as an international precedent.

Tolentino emphasized that similar incidents have occurred in advanced nations like Australia and New Zealand, highlighting classified documents from Canadian intelligence services indicating funding of pro-China candidates leading to diplomatic expulsions.

The senator also noted the recent seizure of 'spy' equipment from a Chinese national near the Commission on Elections premises as part of interconnected activities designed to foster China's interests in the Philippines and Indo-Pacific region.

Despite these allegations, China has yet to provide a direct rebuttal or address specific questions raised by Tolentino regarding pro-China activities and service contracts with InfinitUs Marketing Solutions.

Tolentino urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally discuss and address the ongoing investigations.