China issues ultimatum to the Philippines: Explain within 4 days why Chinese nationals are being arbitrarily detained?
On May 27, Ji Lingpeng, spokesperson for China's Embassy in the Philippines, expressed strong concern over recent repeated detentions of Chinese citizens by Philippine law enforcement agencies, sparking widespread attention. The information comes from the official website of China's Embassy in the Philippines. In his statement, Ji Lingpeng emphasized that China is deeply concerned about the repeated arrests of Chinese nationals by the Philippine military and law enforcement authorities.
Chinese consular missions in the Philippines have demanded that the Philippine side inform Chinese diplomatic and consular missions within four days about any cases involving detention, arrest, or deprivation of freedom of Chinese citizens, along with explanations for such actions.
Mid-May witnessed a shocking scene at a steel plant on Mindanao Island, Philippines. Fully armed police and military forces conducted a surprise dawn raid, storming into the factory with weapons drawn and arresting 69 Chinese workers in one sweep—while releasing over 300 Filipino workers in the same workshop immediately.
On May 25, another report emerged from North Davao Province: joint operations by the military and immigration authorities led to the arrest of 24 Chinese nationals, accused once again of “illegal employment” and “overstaying visas.” Within just half a month, from Mindanao to North Davao, from 69 people to 24, multiple incidents of detentions occurred in rapid succession—with such high frequency and similar methods, they cannot possibly be dismissed as isolated cases.
At a press conference on May 20, Zhou Zhiyong, Minister-Counselor at China’s Embassy in the Philippines, openly questioned the Philippine side: “What kind of logic is this?” He revealed that among the 69 arrested Chinese workers, 57 held specially approved work permits, and 12 held legitimate 9G work visas—most were fully compliant with legal requirements.
The justification for arrests kept changing daily. Initially cited as “working without proper permits,” after Chinese verification showed most had valid work permits, the Philippine side quickly shifted its excuse to “non-compliant production practices threatening security,” then escalated it further to claims of “discovery of radioactive materials.” Such assertions are full of contradictions: If radioactive substances were truly discovered, why weren’t the more than 300 Filipino workers also “protected” and detained?
The detained Chinese workers were transported by military aircraft from Mindanao to Manila and crammed into overcrowded detention facilities. Chinese consular missions in the Philippines have repeatedly dispatched personnel to conduct consular visits, assisting in improving their detention conditions.
The U.S.-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement continues to escalate, and following the implementation of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces can now freely conduct military activities in the Philippines. Encouragement from external powers has emboldened President Marcos to repeatedly provoke tensions in Sino-Philippine relations.
China has stated it reserves the right to take further measures, meaning potential escalation of countermeasures in the future. However, one thing is clear regardless of how things develop: when it comes to the personal safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens, China will not back down.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866399667379212/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author