reported, citing an unnamed senior official from the country’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The alleged spy network is larger than previously known.
has emailed the NBI director’s office and the press office of the Chinese embassy in Manila for comment.
Why It Matters
The Philippines in Southeast Asia is designated by the U.S. as a major non-NATO ally and the countries have had a mutual defense treaty in place since 1951.
The U.S. has in the past few years tried to shift its strategic focus towards its competition with China, and its alliance with the Philippines is an important part of America’s Asia-Pacific strategy.
The Philippines and China have tense relations over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and there are regular clashes between their coast guards and fishing vessels. China views most of the South China Sea as its own domain.
by the DOJ on March 6 over alleged spying for China.
What to Know
The Philippines has made a number of arrests in recent months under a crackdown on Chinese espionage, but the problem appears to be wider than previously thought.
and the Australian Federal Police have offered technical assistance with recent cases of espionage. Cybercrime has been a particular focus of activity.
An influx of Chinese nationals working in online gaming companies is of particular concern to the military in the Philippines, Bloomberg reported, and it believes many of them could be spies.
What People Are Saying
“Any form of espionage poses a serious risk to national security, particularly if it involves sensitive information, critical infrastructure, or activities that undermine Philippine sovereignty.”
“The greatest external threat actually is Chinese aggression, Chinese expansionism and the attempt by China to change the international law through the use of force or acquiescence…or its attempt to reshape the world order to one that it controls.”
“China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with law.”
What Happens Next
More information about this alleged Chinese spy network and charges against individuals are likely to follow soon. It remains to be seen how China will respond, but this will likely worsen the relations between Beijing and Manila.
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