Philippines Verifies China's Detention of Over 100 Nationals

The Philippines is verifying reports from China that more than 100 of its nationals have been apprehended for alleged immigration violations, with officials in Manila demanding due process and consular access while a senior defense official accused Beijing of using the arrests as political blackmail.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday it was coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and consulates general in China to establish the exact number of Filipinos involved and the circumstances of their detention. The agency stated it was working to ensure due process is observed and to extend consular assistance as needed.

The DFA's statement followed remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on August 10. Guo stated that China's national immigration authorities had conducted special operations to strengthen supervision of foreigners who illegally enter, live, or work in the country. He confirmed that actions had been taken against over 100 Philippine nationals for illegally working or living in China. Guo said Chinese immigration personnel acted in a standard and civil manner during the operations and ensured the protection of the rights and...