China and Philippines clash over illegal labor dispute

Diplomatic tensions between China and the Philippines have expanded from maritime disputes to disagreements over migrant labor. The friction follows the May arrest of 70 Chinese nationals, accused of being undocumented, at a Sanjia Steel Group factory in Misamis Oriental province.

China's embassy in Manila criticized Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., accusing him of conducting ‘anti-China activities’ intended to undermine bilateral relations. A Chinese embassy spokesperson questioned Teodoro's role, asking whether he was acting as a defense minister or a police chief regarding his interference in law enforcement.

The Philippine Department of Defense rejected these criticisms, describing the Chinese embassy's response as a ‘typical example of evasion and signs of deception.’ Manila maintains that the actions taken were necessary law enforcement measures, while Beijing asserts that protecting the legal rights of its citizens is a fundamental diplomatic duty.