Philippines urged to avoid ‘sensationalising’ arrests of Chinese nationals amid Sinophobia fears
Chinese-Filipino leaders are calling on Philippine authorities to exercise caution in “sensationalising” the recent arrests of Chinese nationals in the country for alleged espionage, warning it could fuel suspicion and discrimination against their community.
Observers warn that amplifying such claims without solid evidence risks inflaming anti-Chinese sentiment, hurting tourism and politicising national security. They say a measured approach is needed to ensure fair investigations while preventing unnecessary paranoia.
Authorities said the suspects, who posed as Taiwanese tourists, installed high-resolution, solar-powered cameras at a seaside resort to monitor coastguard and navy movements. Residents reportedly saw them recording military activity.
Lucio Pitlo III, a geopolitical analyst and president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, told This Week in Asia that while authorities should not downplay espionage cases, “we should avoid sensationalising them”.