The Chinese Embassy in Manila has expressed outrage after a United States Embassy personnel allegedly refused to have a photo of his passport taken during a routine traffic stop, citing fears that the information would be sent to “Chinese spies.”
The incident occurred along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) busway on Friday when the Department of Transportation Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOT SAICT) apprehended the US Embassy staffer’s vehicle.
Chinese Embassy Condemns ‘Spy’ Accusation
“We have noted reports of the incident and are deeply shocked and concerned about the relevant baseless accusations against China and the so-called ‘Chinese spy’ narrative,” the Chinese Embassy said in a strongly worded statement on Saturday.
While Chinese officials stopped short of demanding an official response from Washington, they called for a thorough probe by Philippine authorities.
“We would like to learn the final results of the investigation by Philippine law enforcement authority,” the embassy added.
The embassy further described the US personnel’s behavior as an “insult” and a show of “arrogance.”
US Embassy Responds Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
In contrast, the US Embassy in Manila issued a brief statement instructing all its staff to abide by Philippine laws.
“All staff [are instructed] to obey Philippine laws, including traffic regulations,” the embassy said on Friday, without directly addressing the “Chinese spy” remark.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between China and the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, where the Philippines has found itself at the center of geopolitical rivalries.
While Washington and Manila have strengthened security ties through joint military exercises and enhanced defense cooperation, Beijing has repeatedly criticized what it calls US interference in regional affairs.
