Philippine law enforcers have arrested a Chinese national, Deng Yuanqing, on suspicion of espionage, raising concerns about national security and escalating tensions with China. The Philippine authorities recovered equipment in his possession believed to be used for spying on military facilities.
Deng was presented to the media on Monday, January 20, together with two alleged Filipino cohorts.
Investigations revealed that Deng is affiliated with the Army Engineering University of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Nanjing, China.
Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago stated that Deng was part of a group under surveillance by authorities. Intelligence reports indicated their arrival in the Philippines to conduct surveillance on critical infrastructure, including military installations.
Locations visited by the group included sites where U.S. forces have been granted access under a military agreement, raising further concerns about a potential threat to national security.
“We are just looking into the overall espionage effort of China,”, Armed Forces Chief, Romeo Brawner had said at the press conference.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has meanwhile, not yet responded to requests for comment.
This arrest is coming amid growing suspicion in the Philippines over China’s activities in the South China Sea, including the conduct of its coast guard and fishing militia within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
Both countries have reported claims to several disputed features in the region, leading to heated standoffs at sea and accusations of trespassing.
“We seized his vehicle, and mounted on it was espionage equipment,” Santiago said at the press conference, referring to Deng. “It is possible that some of the collected information has already been transmitted to China.”
NBI Cybercrime chief, Jeremy Lotoc revealed that Deng has been in the Philippines for at least five years based on his passport, labeling him a “sleeper agent.”
