Chinese embassy slams Philippine defense secretary’s baseless claims on Chinese workers

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines strongly criticized Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for his remarks regarding a May raid on the Sanjia Steel Plant, accusing him of spreading disinformation, turning facts upside down, and conducting politically motivated, selective law enforcement against Chinese nationals. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng questioned the defense chief’s direct involvement in a military-backed raid that exclusively targeted and arrested 70 Chinese workers—transporting them to Manila via military aircraft while releasing all Filipino workers on the spot—and highlighted severe detention conditions, including overcrowded cells and delayed consular notification. Ji also dismissed allegations of illegal activities and human trafficking, noting that Philippine prosecution authorities ordered the release of all detained workers on May 28 due to insufficient complaints, and condemned Teodoro for continuing to accuse them despite the judiciary’s decision. Defending the embassy’s interventions as a standard diplomatic duty to protect its citizens’ rights, Ji alleged that Teodoro’s actions are part of a broader campaign to stage anti-China activities, sabotage bilateral relations, and serve personal political motives at the expense of both nations.

Credit – CGTN