China Issues Warning to Philippines Over Taiwanese Foreign Minister's Visit Amid Espionage Concerns

China has issued a stern warning to the Philippines following the recent visit of Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, accompanied by a business delegation in Manila. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declared that Manila will "face consequences" for crossing what Beijing describes as its "red line."

"There is a price to pay for trampling on China's red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines," Guo asserted, urging the Philippine government to halt what he described as sending "wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatists."

Guo criticized the Philippines for allowing Lin, who was presented as the head of a foundation, to use the visit as a platform for advancing pro-Taiwan independence activities. He stated this move "severely violated the basic norms in international relations and the Philippines' own commitment on Taiwan-related issues."

The Chinese official further admonished Manila for undermining the One-China principle and damaging China-Philippines relations, warning the country to "stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once" and cautioned against "playing with fire on issues concerning China's core interests."

The Taiwanese delegation reportedly toured an area linked to the Philippines' Luzon Economic Corridor infrastructure project, which also involves investment from the United States and Japan. This development underscores Taiwan's ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation with Manila, particularly in sectors where it holds a competitive advantage such as semiconductors.

In response, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to the One-China Policy, clarifying that no Taiwanese official was recognized as part of the business group that visited. The DFA emphasized that the country continues to maintain economic and people-to-people relations with Taiwan strictly within the boundaries of this policy, encompassing areas like trade, investment, and tourism.

Meanwhile, heightened concerns about Chinese espionage activities in the Philippines have surfaced. Chester Cabalza, founding president of the International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, warned that Chinese sleeper agents are actively operating in the country to monitor local politics and potentially influence the 2028 national elections.

"Their mission is to study our politics so it will be easier for them to influence us and win over Filipinos," Cabalza explained, noting the spies are focused on strategic matters in the West Philippine Sea as well as long-term political foresight.

The National Security Council previously indicated signs of Chinese interference in the 2025 midterm elections, a development that has sparked concern from Malacañang Palace, which announced plans for a thorough investigation into the allegations.