China urges ph to refrain from ‘groundless accusations’ amid espionage arrest

At a press conference on Wednesday, January 22, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “We urge the Philippine side to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in accordance with the law.”

She also reiterated that China requires its nationals to “abide by local laws and regulations.”

The statement comes after Philippine military and law enforcement officials revealed on Monday, January 20, the arrest of a Chinese national and two Filipino companions for allegedly conducting surveillance operations in sensitive locations, including sites associated with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The Chinese national, identified as Deng Yuanqing, reportedly spent over a month starting December 2024 mapping strategic locations from northern Luzon to the Bicol region.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Magareth Padilla disclosed on Tuesday, January 21, that Deng’s activities targeted both military and civilian facilities.

Deng, who has lived in the Philippines for more than a decade and is married to a Filipina, was apprehended alongside his companions at a condominium in Makati City on January 17.

Authorities also confiscated a vehicle equipped with locator and mapping devices capable of determining coordinates with centimeter-level precision.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Deng has traveled in and out of the Philippines since 2015. However, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado clarified that Deng will not be deported until all legal cases filed against him in the Philippines are resolved.

“The legal process must take precedence over any other actions, including deportation,” Viado said on Wednesday.

As investigations continue, Beijing’s appeal for the protection of its citizens’ rights adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate relationship between the two countries.