Chinese Embassy in Manila belies ‘sleeper cells’ claims in Phl

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Friday denied claims that there are Chinese "sleeper cells" poised to infiltrate and carry out intervention operations in the country.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said the October 13 operation of the National Bureau of Investigation in Pasig City, where two Chinese nationals were arrested for illegal possession of high-powered firearms, was "an isolated case" exploited by certain individuals for their "ulterior motives."

It noted that the case "blew things out of proportion by making groundless accusations against China and the Chinese people."

"Certain Filipino officials went as far as disseminating such highly irresponsible remarks, dramatizing and hyping up maritime differences, vilifying the performance of normal duties and exchanges of Chinese institutions and personnel, and even inciting racial hatred and sowing Sinophobic sentiments," it stressed.

"We strongly oppose and condemn such baseless allegations and malicious spreading of disinformation," it added.

It continued: "China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries."

The embassy said it had taken "note of the relevant reports and details of the case," adding that it is working with the Philippine law enforcement authorities to investigate it to "jointly combat transnational criminal activities."

"We have also noted that the NBI officer working on this case pointed out that 'there's no truth that this is part of the plan of the Chinese to create a destabilization plot in the country,'" it pointed out.

Irresponsible
China, according to its embassy, has "always been dedicated to properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation, so as to preserve stability in the South China Sea."

"The irresponsible words and deeds of the relevant Filipino individuals run counter to the consensus of our two heads of state that maritime differences should be put in a proper place and well managed through dialogue and consultation, thus creating disruption to the diplomatic efforts," it said.

"It is hoped that the Philippine side will work in the same direction with China and follow through on the consensus between the two heads of state so as to jointly safeguard our bilateral relations and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," it added.

On Thursday, the Philippine National Police said it is taking steps to protect the country's interest amid the reported presence of Chinese sleeper cells across the country.

"We are making sure that the national interest is always protected," PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.

He issued the remarks following former Interior and Local Government secretary Rafael Alunan III's claims that China has prepositioned its sleeper cells in the country.