Election interference a heinous accusation — Chinese embassy

The Chinese embassy in Manila denounced claims that China is seeking to interfere in the coming midterm elections, after a Chinese national suspected of spying was nabbed by authorities outside the office of the Commission on Elections in Intramuros.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

In a statement, the embassy said it has always been "committed to introducing the real China" to the people of the Philippines and deepening understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

"We are strongly against the heinous accusation towards China and condemn the obstruction of the normal functioning by the embassy," it said.

"We noticed the attempts of some politicians to play the so-called China card to serve their political self interests and boost their election prospects before the midterm election.

Such attempts are despicable and doomed to failure," the embassy added.

The embassy reiterated that China adheres to the principle of "non-interference" in the internal affairs of other countries and has no interest in interfering in elections in the country.

Just taking pictures

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the 47-year-old suspect, identified as Tak Hoi Lao, entered the country on a tourist visa.