Chinese embassy in the Philippines opposes allegation of funding destabilization efforts

The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has expressed firm opposition to the allegation made by a Philippine Senator that China is funding Filipinos to destabilize the Philippines, affirming China's steadfast adherence to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"In recent months, some Filipino politicians and officials have repeatedly dramatized and hyped up maritime differences between China and the Philippines for their political self-interests, aiming at smearing and demonizing China and suppressing voices in favor of China-Philippines friendship," a spokesperson for the embassy said on Wednesday in response to a question concerning the accusations by Philippine Senator JV Ejercito that China recruited and funded some Filipinos to create instability within the Philippines. "These individuals have even groundlessly attacked the performance of normal duties of the Chinese embassy and diplomats, trying to stir up regional and global tensions."

"Such irresponsible remarks have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, poisoned the atmosphere of China-Philippines relations, and undermined the efforts of both sides to resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue," the spokesperson said.

Mutual friendship and cooperation align with the fundamental interests of both China and the Philippines and resonate with the shared aspirations of their peoples. Hence, it's unsurprising that an anti-China stance finds little favor with the general public, the spokesperson added.

China remains dedicated to addressing maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation and continues to keep the door open for dialogue and engagement with the Philippines, according to the spokesperson.

"We urge those individuals to align their actions more closely with the interests of the Filipino people and China-Philippines friendship, rather than making baseless anti-China accusations. We also hope that the Philippine government will heed the voice of reason, act upon the call of the two peoples, and work with China in faithfully upholding the consensus reached on resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, so as to ensure the sound development of China-Philippines relations and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," the spokesperson said.

(Cover: File photo shows the Jinqing Island of Yongle Islands, located in the Xisha Islands, in south China's Hainan Province. /Xinhua)