According to a message posted on the WeChat public account of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on the 27th, Spokesperson Ji Lingpeng expressed his stance regarding the frequent arrests of Chinese citizens by Philippine law enforcement agencies.
China attaches great importance to protecting the personal safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in the Philippines. It expresses its serious concern over the frequent arrests of Chinese citizens by the Philippine military and law enforcement agencies. In relation to each case, Chinese embassies and consulates in the Philippines immediately communicate with the Philippine authorities. They demand that the Philippine side, in accordance with the Consular Agreement between the Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines, report to the Chinese embassies and consulates within 4 days regarding any incidents where Chinese citizens are detained, arrested, or otherwise deprived of their freedom. The Philippine side must also provide reasons for such actions. Relevant cases must be handled fairly according to law, ensuring the personal safety, legal rights, and humanitarian treatment of the Chinese citizens involved. If it is determined that the Chinese citizens did not violate Philippine laws, they should be released as soon as possible. No unlawful or prolonged detention should occur.
Meanwhile, embassies and consulates have promptly provided consular assistance to the Chinese citizens involved in this matter. They have sent personnel on several occasions to conduct consular visits, helping to improve their detention conditions and address their practical difficulties.
It must be emphasized that China respects the judicial sovereignty of the Philippines and their efforts to handle cases in accordance with the law. However, China firmly opposes any selective or discriminatory enforcement of laws against Chinese citizens. China urges the Philippines to properly handle related cases in accordance with the law as soon as possible. There should be no abuse of power or political manipulation. Such actions must not endanger the personal safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens, so as to avoid interfering with normal cultural exchanges and economic and trade relations between China and the Philippines. China reserves the right to take further measures if necessary.
In view of the frequent incidents where Filipino law enforcement agencies have detained Chinese citizens in recent times, the embassy once again reminds Chinese citizens living in the Philippines to comply with Filipino laws and regulations. They should engage in lawful activities, operate in accordance with legal requirements, refrain from engaging in activities that are not related to their purpose of entering the country or the type of visa they hold, and avoid staying in the country beyond the permitted period.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT: Consulate of China in the Philippines – Consular Assistance Hotline: 0063-2-82311033
Important: Please return only the English translation. Contact number for assistance with visa protection at the Chinese Consulate in Surabaya: 0063-32-3430008
Important: Please return only the English translation. Contact number for assistance with visa protection at the Chinese Consulate General in Davao: 0063-9271304354
Important: Please return only the English translation. Contact number for assistance with visa protection at Chinas consulate in Laagwad: 0063-9178051226
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection and Services Emergency Hotline (24 hours): 0086-10-12308, 0086-10-65612308
