World

Manila arrests Chinese spies posing as Taiwanese

Suspected Chinese spies posing as Taiwanese tourists were arrested in the Philippines after allegedly taking photographs of Philippine Coast Guard ships, Taipei Times reported.

According to local media, the two suspects had been staying at a resort in Palawan, where they discreetly used their phones from a secluded location to record the comings and goings of coast guard vessels.

Palawan is located near the Spratly Islands, a key area of dispute in the South China Sea, and tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated in recent years over territorial claims. The arrested suspects are also accused of using drones without authorisation and installing cameras on coconut trees at the resort to monitor the ships’ activities.

Local witnesses reported seeing suspicious actions from the pair. One of the suspects was even captured on camera by residents of the resort, though they denied the allegations when confronted, reported Taipei Times.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr, authorities found photographs of military bases, facilities, and ships on the suspects’ phones. The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now conducting a nationwide search for any accomplices connected to the operation.

Meanwhile, another Chinese national named Deng, along with two Filipino accomplices, was arrested in Metro Manila on January 17 for similar espionage activities. Deng was allegedly driving around Manila and Luzon island, using surveillance equipment to gather intelligence on sensitive buildings and military sites.

Deng’s wife and the Chinese embassy have denied all allegations. However, Philippine National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that the government has a “solid” case against Deng, who was caught “red-handed” during the surveillance operation, Taipei Times reported.

Malaya further added, “There will be more arrests,” indicating that the Philippine government is continuing its crackdown on espionage and counterintelligence efforts across the country.

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

Princess Astrid of Belgium, FM Maxime Prevot to visit India on March 1

The sister of Belgium's King Philippe, Princess Astrid, is set to visit India from March…

6 hours ago

World Uyghur Congress condemns Thailand’s deportation of Uyghur refugees, calls for international action

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) vehemently denounced the forced repatriation of 40 Uyghur refugees from…

7 hours ago

Jaishankar meets European Commission President, lauds her views on re-energizing India’s engagement with Europe

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called on the President of the European Commission,…

7 hours ago

PoGB Council urges urgent action from Pak PM Shehbaz over Diamer-Bhasha Dam protest

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) Council, Muhammad Ayub Shah,…

8 hours ago

German foreign policy will continue to prioritise engagement with India, says envoy Philipp Ackermann

With the recently held elections in Germany and the country's Christian Democrat party leader Friedrich…

9 hours ago

European Commission President arrives in Delhi, says India is trusted friend and strategic ally

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in the national capital on…

9 hours ago