Beijing has fired back at Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., labeling his warnings about China’s intelligence and ethnic unity laws a “political provocation.”
Teodoro previously urged caution regarding cultural and academic exchange programs, noting that laws like China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law and Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law could pose national security risks due to their extraterritorial reach.
West Philippine Sea AFP spokesperson retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reiterated these concerns, highlighting how Article 7 mandates Chinese citizens and entities abroad to support state intelligence efforts.
“There could be a deliberate effort to send somebody for espionage activities, or they could activate members of the diaspora, including second, third, or fourth-generation Chinese. Once approached by the Party, it may be difficult for them to refuse, especially if they still have relatives in mainland China or economic ties that could be used against them,” Trinidad said.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the Manila officials’ claims, accusing Teodoro of smearing Beijing and interfering in its domestic affairs.
“This so-called statement, full of disinformation and smears designed to interfere in China’s internal affairs, constitutes a political provocation of an extremely malign nature. China firmly opposes it,” Lin said.
Lin cautioned that such statements damage bilateral relations and called on Philippine officials to “stop making provocations and creating trouble,” warning that “they will bear the consequence for their despicable acts.”