An open letter issued by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on reported unfair treatment of Chinese citizens on May 16, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the embassy's WeChat account

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued an open letter on Friday regarding the reported unfair treatment of Chinese citizens by Philippine personnel at the airport upon entry. The embassy immediately lodged representations with the Philippine side, urging them to investigate the incident and deal with the personnel involved.

The embassy received a letter from Chinese compatriot detailing the incident, and quickly contacted the Chinese citizen involved to learn more about the situation.

The embassy also immediately lodged representations with the Philippine side, urging them to take the concerns of the Chinese side seriously, effectively safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens, investigate the relevant incidents, and deal with the involved Philippine personnel, according to the open letter.

The embassy said in the open letter that it has also received several reports from Chinese citizens in the Philippines over the past period regarding unfair treatment they have suffered.

This includes individual Philippine institutions and personnel abusing their authority in law enforcement to conduct unwarranted checks and harassment on Chinese individuals, enterprises, and institutions in or visiting the Philippines, delaying and obstructing the processing of work visas for Chinese enterprise employees, and unreasonably detaining Chinese citizens holding valid work visas.

The embassy also cited instances of fabricating and sensationalizing cases involving Chinese citizens, such as "gambling cases," "espionage cases," "arms cases," and "child labor cases," even using these as opportunities to blackmail Chinese citizens. The Philippine side also delayed the processing and issuance of student visas for Chinese students, and groundlessly accused Chinese personnel of involvement in "espionage activities" using the excuse that they had passed by sensitive areas.

The actions by the relevant Philippine institutions and personnel go beyond the scope of normal duty performance, seriously infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens concerned, and severely disrupt the normal exchanges between China and the Philippines, the embassy said.

The embassy has continuously lodged representations with the relevant Philippine departments, expressing China's grave concerns and demanding an end to unwarranted checks and harassment of Chinese citizens, to obstruction of normal exchanges, to dissemination of unfounded information. The embassy called for improvements to the business environment for Chinese enterprises, safeguarding Chinese citizens' safety and rights, and ensuring their fair and just treatment in the Philippines.

For each specific case, the embassy promptly provides consular protection and assistance to the Chinese citizens and enterprises involved, conduct consular visits, guide them in proper response and handling, and urge the Philippine side to handle cases fairly, without abusing authority or engaging in political manipulation. 

The embassy also reminds Chinese citizens in the Philippines to abide by local laws and regulations and respect local religious beliefs and customs.

Given the security situation in the Philippines and the circumstances mentioned above, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines have recently issued security advisories to Chinese nationals traveling to or residing in the Philippines. 

However, due to the severe security environment and a complex law enforcement situation, the embassy continued to issue reminders. Citizens are advised to assess risks and make prudent travel decisions, avoid carrying prohibited items, and stay away from sensitive areas. In case of abuse of authority by local law enforcement, citizens are advised to collect evidence and seek assistance through proper channels.

Global Times