Philippine President Raises Concerns Over Rising Espionage Cases Involving Chinese Nationals

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed deep concern over a growing number of espionage cases involving Chinese nationals, which has put government officials in Manila on high alert.

“We are very disturbed by anyone conducting such espionage operations against our military,” Marcos told reporters on January 31.

His statement followed the recent apprehension of five Chinese nationals on espionage charges. These suspects were allegedly using military-grade cameras and drones to monitor sensitive Philippine defense sites. The group had reportedly posed as seafood product buyers and were seen roaming Puerto Princesa, located on the western island of Palawan, which lies near the disputed South China Sea.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), these individuals had frequently visited Ulugan Bay in Palawan, where they were suspected of conducting aerial surveillance and gathering intelligence on a naval base in Barangay Bahile. Authorities recovered equipment containing images and videos of ports, coast guard stations, vessels, and military installations.

National security adviser Eduardo Año called the espionage activities “serious concerns” that demanded a coordinated response. “This operation underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive counterintelligence efforts to detect and disrupt espionage activities,” Año stated on January 31.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Cai Shaohuang, Cheng Hai Tao, Wu Cheng Ting, Wang Yong Yi, and Wu Chin Ren. They are linked to two organizations, the Qiaoxing Volunteer Group of the Philippines and the Philippine China Association of Promotion of Peace and Friendship, Inc.

The arrests, which took place on January 24 and 25, follow a similar case earlier in the month. On January 17, a Chinese engineer, Deng Yuanqing, was apprehended for allegedly surveilling critical infrastructure in Manila, including military sites, under the pretense of conducting research for a self-driving car company. Deng’s two Filipino accomplices were also arrested.

Philippine Army Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. confirmed that the two espionage cases are connected. When asked if these actions were state-sponsored by China, Brawner emphasized, “We cannot conclude that. What we are focusing on is the act itself.” He added that the arrest of the five individuals may just be the “tip of the iceberg,” warning that more espionage activities are likely underway.

“We want our citizens to be aware of these incidents, so they can help us monitor and report any suspicious activities linked to espionage,” Brawner said.

These cases come at a time of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces have become increasingly violent, raising concerns over the potential for broader conflict that could disrupt global trade.

Input from The Epoch Times and Agency