THE Chinese Embassy in Manila lodged representations with the Department of Foreign Affairs over what it described as frequent apprehension of Chinese in the country.
Ji Lingpeng, embassy spokesman, said that the embassy and its consulates in Cebu, Davao, and Laoag have lodged "solemn representations with the Philippine side immediately upon each incident."
"China attaches great importance to protecting the personal safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines," Ji said in a statement on Thursday.
"It must be stressed that China fully respects the Philippines’ judicial sovereignty and its efforts to handle cases in accordance with law," he said. "However, we firmly oppose selective and discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese nationals."
Beijing also asked Manila to "avoid undermining the personal safety, legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals, so as not to disrupt and damage normal people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade relations between the two countries."
"The Chinese side reserves the right to take further measures," Ji said. He did not elaborate.
The embassy earlier denied that the 69 Chinese arrested in Misamis Oriental are illegal workers. They have "valid" work permits, said Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Ziyong as he complained of discriminatory law enforcement practice.
Ji urged concerned Philippine authorities "to handle the cases in a fair and just manner in accordance with law, and earnestly safeguard the personal safety, legitimate rights and interests, and humane treatment of the Chinese nationals involved."
The embassy reminded Chinese citizens "to abide by local laws and regulations, engage in lawful employment and business activities, stay away from acts inconsistent with the purpose of entry or visa category, and avoid overstaying."
Ji asked the "Philippine side to notify the Chinese diplomatic missions, within four days, of the facts and reasons for which Chinese nationals have been detained, arrested or deprived of freedom by any means whether the national requests it or not in compliance with the Consular Agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines."
"Should the investigation confirm that they have violated no Philippine laws, the relevant Chinese nationals shall be released as soon as possible, and no illegal or prolonged detention shall be allowed," he added. BERNADETTE TAMAYO
