China to PH: Merely malicious speculation and groundless accusations

MANILA, Philippines — China once again accused the Philippines of “disseminating disinformation,” alleging there could be an “invisible hand” to “poison” the ties between the nations.

An unnamed spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy made the remark on Wednesday. This, after reports on alleged existence of Chinese companies pretending to be American and European enterprises in the Philippines came out.

READ: Online recruitment ops traced to China a ‘nat’l security concern’ — AFP

“Those are merely malicious speculation and groundless accusations against China with the purpose of inciting Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines. We firmly oppose this,” said the embassy in a statement.

China-Philippines friendship

“China-Philippines friendship has always been the mainstream of our bilateral relations and the aspiration of the two peoples. However, there seems to be an invisible hand here disseminating disinformation about China, hyping up maritime disputes between the two countries, amplifying our maritime differences, creating tension, and even fearmongering about war. It aims at nothing but poisoning the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations and disrupting their development,” it added.

READ: PNP investigating alleged China ‘sleeper cells’ in PH

In the same statement, the embassy likewise addressed the alleged existence of Chinese sleeper cells in the Philippines.

“The so-called “sleeper cells” of China in the Philippines is nothing but fabrication. Instead, we see habitual meddling in other nations’ internal affairs, fostering domestic division and confrontation, and instigating “color revolutions” by some [countries],” it said.

In 2023, the Philippine National Police confirmed that it is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the supposed existence of Chinese sleeper cells — a group on standby to infiltrate and intervene activities—in the country.