China denies having 'sleeper cells' in PH

China has denied having "sleeper cells" in the Philippines following reports on suspected Chinese firms disguised as American or European companies recruiting former and active Filipino soldiers via social media.

“The so-called ‘sleeper cells’ of China in the Philippines is nothing but fabrication,” Chinese Embassy in the Philippines spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said in a statement.

“Instead, we see habitual meddling in other nations’ internal affairs, fostering domestic division and confrontation, and instigating ‘color revolutions’ by some country,” the Chinese official added.

Ji said the allegations on the supposed Chinese firms aim to incite “Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines.”

“Those are merely malicious speculation and groundless accusation against China with the purpose of inciting Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines. We firmly oppose this,” he said.

“We urge relevant parties in the Philippines to keep up with the trend of the times and listen to the people of both countries, stop spinning false narratives and arousing anti-China sentiments,” Ji added.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said  Chinese companies have been offering their target Filipino recruits part-time jobs as analysts.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is already investigating the alleged recruitment.

China expressed hope the Philippines will return to the “right track” of dialogue and consultation as early as possible and work on their differences considering the broader context of China-Philippines relations.

“It is hoped that the Philippine side, taking into account the broader context of China-Philippines relations and regional peace and stability, will return to the right track of dialogue and consultation at the earliest opportunity, meet China half way, manage differences through concrete actions, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations,” Ji said.

The Philippines has been incensed by what it calls repeated aggressive conduct by China's Coast Guard, accusing its ships of using water cannon and blocking and harassing a Philippine resupply mission for troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

China, meanwhile, has accused the Philippines of intruding on its territory, claiming indisputable sovereignty over the reef, located 1,300 km (808 miles) off its mainland. 

China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, despite an international arbitration panel concluding that position had no basis under international law. —KBK, GMA Integrated News