Chinese National Arrested in Philippines for Alleged Espionage on Military Facilities

A Chinese national has been arrested in the Philippines on suspicion of conducting surveillance on military installations, according to officials.

The suspect, identified as Deng Yuanqing, is allegedly affiliated with the Army Engineering University of the People’s Liberation Army in China. At a press conference in Manila on Jan. 20, Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago disclosed that Deng and his associates had been under investigation for activities related to espionage targeting critical infrastructure, including military facilities.

“We seized his vehicle, which was equipped with espionage devices,” Santiago stated. “It’s possible that some of the gathered information has already been transmitted to China.”

Deng was arrested in Makati City alongside two Filipino accomplices, identified as Ronel Jojo Balundo Besa and Jason Amado Fernandez. Authorities reported that the trio had visited several sensitive locations, including sites where U.S. military personnel have access under a bilateral agreement.

“We are examining the broader espionage efforts of China,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., adding that forensic analysis is being conducted on the seized equipment. Items recovered included images of Fort Bonifacio, the Philippine Army headquarters, and Camp Crame, the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police.

As a precaution, security has been heightened at military facilities across the Philippines, Brawner confirmed.

Last year, a similar case involved another Chinese national apprehended with suspected espionage equipment, Brawner added.

Filipino National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año praised the AFP, the NBI, and the intelligence community for their efforts in countering the espionage threat. He described the trio’s activities as “sophisticated surveillance, espionage, and intelligence-gathering,” warning of persistent risks from foreign interference.

“This incident highlights the need to strengthen our legal framework to address evolving security threats,” Año stated, urging Congress to expedite amendments to the Espionage Act and pass the Countering Foreign Interference and Malign Influence bill.

In a separate case, former Bamban mayor Alico Guo, accused of ties to Chinese criminal syndicates, remains in Philippine custody after her extradition from Indonesia in September 2024. Guo faces multiple charges, including money laundering and human trafficking, and a local court recently denied her bail petition.

Meanwhile, tensions between Manila and Beijing have continued to escalate over disputed maritime activities. Philippine authorities have criticized China’s deployment of vessels to contested areas, including the Scarborough Shoal.

Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, confirmed on social media that three Chinese vessels were recently spotted within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Zambales. “The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime interests and upholding international law,” Tarriela said.

The incident underscores rising concerns over national security and the ongoing geopolitical challenges faced by the Philippines in its relations with China.

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