Philippines Confronts Foreign Espionage Allegations Amidst Rising Tensions

The Philippines is addressing concerns over alleged foreign covert operations, based on media reports tied to a Chinese fugitive. The Department of Foreign Affairs is investigating reports from an Al Jazeera documentary implicating She Zhijiang and former mayor Guo Hua Ping. The case intensifies scrutiny on China's activities.

The Philippines expressed concerns over alleged covert foreign operations within its borders, responding to a documentary implicating Chinese activities in the country. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with various agencies to address these claims, yet no specific foreign actor has been officially named.

The controversy erupted following an Al Jazeera report focusing on She Zhijiang, a Chinese national currently detained in Thailand, who allegedly spied for China within the Philippines. Zhijiang accused former Philippine mayor Alice Guo of collaborating with China's Ministry of State Security, raising questions about cross-border espionage.

Amidst investigations, Guo denied espionage accusations and any association with Zhijiang, while asserting her Philippine citizenship. This case has intensified scrutiny over China's activities, amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The Chinese embassy and Al Jazeera have yet to provide comments on these developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)