Chinese authorities have detained more than 100 Filipino nationals on suspicion of illegal employment and illegal stay. China has described the action as a routine immigration enforcement measure.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro strongly condemned China’s action as “clear extortion and intimidation,” coming as cases involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines continue to be uncovered. The Department of Foreign Affairs, while acknowledging China’s law enforcement authority, has demanded that the rights of those detained be protected in accordance with the Vienna Convention and the Philippines-China consular agreement, and that Philippine diplomatic posts be notified promptly.
At this stage, no evidence has been made public confirming that China’s crackdown was retaliation against the Philippines. Even so, the defense secretary’s characterization of the immigration enforcement as “political retaliation” has raised concerns that Philippines-China tensions could spill over into areas beyond the South China Sea dispute.
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