Teodoro: China to blame for suspicion on Chinese nationals

China has itself to blame for suspicion being cast on Chinese nationals, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said, referring to its intelligence law mandating every Chinese company or citizen to be an agent of the Chinese intelligence establishment.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

In an interview with Hoover Institution's "Battlegrounds," Teodoro said there are Chinese who were able to expand criminal syndicate activities, which also weakened the domestic economy through internet gaming, gambling, human trafficking and drugs.

They have also been able to assume fake citizenships and identities to enable them or their agents, or people under their influence.

"China has only itself to blame. If we must digress right now—because of their 2017 intelligence law, which mandates every Chinese company or citizen to be an agent of the Chinese intelligence establishment," Teodoro said.

"They have only themselves to blame if we are suspicious of any Chinese national. How do we know what the bona fide is of this person?" he said.

The secretary noted that Chinese companies were able to acquire land close to a strategic Philippine military base.