China Protests Philippine Detentions of Chinese Citizens
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has lodged a formal diplomatic protest over the “frequent detention” of Chinese citizens by Philippine law enforcement agencies, accusing authorities of selective and discriminatory law enforcement and warning of potential damage to bilateral relations.
Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng issued a statement on May 27 expressing “serious concern” over the detentions, which have seen at least 93 Chinese nationals taken into custody in separate operations across the Philippines in recent weeks, according to The Paper.
Two Major Raids in Two Weeks
The detentions stem from at least two major law enforcement operations. On May 15, joint Philippine forces — including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) — raided Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. Authorities arrested 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino, discovering substandard conditions, hazardous materials, and elevated radiation levels.
According to GMA News, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the plant operated inside a Department of National Defense-supervised compound and raised concerns about its proximity to a naval facility under construction. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute confirmed elevated readings of uranium-238, thorium-228, and thorium-232 in warehouses and production areas.
The raid displaced 316 workers, with the Department of Labor and Employment working to secure unpaid salaries and government agencies providing assistance programs, GMA News reported.
Ten days later, on May 25, the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine Army raided a facility in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, arresting 24 Chinese nationals for immigration violations and unauthorized employment, according to RMN Philippines.
China’s Formal Protest
In his statement, Ji Lingpeng said China “respects the Philippines’ judicial sovereignty and law enforcement, but firmly opposes selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese citizens.” He demanded that Philippine authorities comply with the 2009 China-Philippines Consular Agreement, which requires notification of detentions within four days.
“China urges the Philippines to properly handle the relevant cases in accordance with the law as soon as possible, not to abuse power in law enforcement or engage in political manipulation, and not to harm the personal safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” Ji said, as reported by CGTN.
Chinese diplomatic missions have conducted consular visits to detained citizens, including a visit to the 69 steel plant workers held at the NBI detention facility on May 18, according to China News Service.
Broader Context of Tensions
The detentions occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Beijing and Manila. The Philippines has been cracking down on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have been linked to money laundering, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The steel plant is connected to businessman Tony Yang, who was arrested in 2024 for alleged POGO involvement.
Espionage concerns have also strained relations. In January 2025, a Chinese national was arrested for allegedly mapping critical infrastructure, and in March 2026, the Philippines apprehended Filipino nationals suspected of spying for China.
Implications for Bilateral Relations
China’s statement reserved the “right to take further measures,” signaling potential diplomatic or economic consequences. The warning about impact on “people-to-people and cultural exchanges and economic and trade relations” underscores the economic stakes — China is a major trading partner and source of investment for the Philippines.
Manila has framed the operations as legitimate law enforcement against illegal workers, hazardous operations, and national security threats. The multi-agency coordination suggests a deliberate enforcement campaign rather than isolated incidents.
What to Watch
As of May 28, the Philippine government has not issued an official response to China’s diplomatic protest. The status of the detained individuals — whether any have been charged, released, or face deportation — remains unclear. The coming days will determine whether this dispute escalates into a broader diplomatic crisis or is resolved through bilateral channels.