Manila Uncovers Big Network of Alleged China Spies

Philippines Arrests Eight Earlier in 2025, With Another Eight to Be Hauled Up This Month

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MANILA - The Philippine authorities have uncovered a network of hundreds of alleged Chinese spies, a senior official said, a much more extensive operation than previously disclosed that adds to tensions between the countries.

The suspected Chinese nationals operating in the South-east Asian nation are believed to be engaged in espionage activities including cybercrimes, according to an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing operation.

The bureau captured at least eight suspects earlier in 2025 in the first arrests associated with the campaign, and is set to apprehend eight more suspects later in March.

Officials in Manila have been ramping up counter-intelligence efforts since the country's military became the target of Chinese spy networks, following a souring of relations with Beijing in recent years.

The NBI official said both the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and Australian Federal Police have offered technical assistance with the recent cases of espionage.

Neither agency immediately responded to requests for comment.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Manila said it would not comment on law enforcement matters, but that it would "let the NBI's statement stand on its own".