The Philippines expelled China’s consul general in Manila on Friday and ordered the immediate closure of China’s consulate in Davao, citing credible evidence of espionage and political interference operations targeting Philippine government officials.
Foreign Secretary Sara Duterte confirmed the expulsion in a nationally televised address, calling it “a necessary step to protect Philippine sovereignty and democratic institutions.” Duterte said the consulate in Davao had been used as a “base for intelligence-gathering operations directed at Philippine military installations and political figures.”
The move marks the most aggressive act by Manila against Chinese officials since the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. It follows months of escalating tensions between the two countries over maritime disputes and alleged Chinese interference in Philippine domestic affairs.
China called the expulsion “groundless and irresponsible” and demanded Manila reverse its decision immediately. The Chinese foreign ministry said the move “seriously harms the friendly relations between the two peoples” and warned of “consequences.”
The Chinese embassy in Manila issued a separate statement calling the allegations “pure fabrication” and accusing the Philippine government of “stoking anti-China sentiment for domestic political purposes.” The embassy said China reserved the right to take “reciprocal measures.”
The US State Department voiced strong support for Manila’s decision. “The Philippines has every right to take action against foreign interference in its sovereign affairs,” a spokesperson said. Japan and Australia also expressed support, with both countries’ foreign ministries calling for “respect for national sovereignty.”
Philippine opposition senators largely backed the move, though some expressed concern about potential economic retaliation. Senator Risa Hontiveros called it “a brave and necessary step” while urging the government to “prepare for all contingencies.”
The expulsion comes amid a broader crackdown on alleged Chinese influence operations in the Philippines. Last month, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested two suspected Chinese intelligence operatives who were allegedly recruiting Philippine military personnel as informants.
Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said the armed forces had “increased vigilance” around all Chinese diplomatic facilities and urged service members to report any suspicious contacts. “We are dealing with a sophisticated and determined adversary,” Brawner said.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 1.7 per cent on the news, with shares in companies with significant Chinese exposure — including SM Investments and Ayala Corporation — leading the decline. The peso weakened 0.5 per cent against the dollar.
Analysts at HSBC said the expulsion was “a significant escalation” that could “fundamentally alter the trajectory of Philippines-China relations.” They noted that bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $80 billion in 2025, making China the Philippines’ largest trading partner.
Sources: Reuters, AP, Philippines Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, BBC, South China Morning Post, Nikkei Asia.
Written by Kenji Tanaka, Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief
Kenji Tanaka
Kenji Tanaka covers Asia Pacific security, technology, and geopolitics from Tokyo.