Philippines Calls for Action Against Chinese Embassy Officials
In a recent development, the National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. have urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take action against individuals in the Chinese embassy. These individuals claim to have recorded an alleged phone conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a military official. Secretary Año, in a statement issued on Friday, highlighted that the Chinese officials may have violated Philippine laws, specifically the Anti-Wiretapping Act, as well as serious breaches of diplomatic protocols and conventions.
Violation of Philippine Laws and Diplomatic Protocols
Secretary Año emphasized that the repeated engagement and dissemination of disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation by the Chinese embassy should not go unpunished. The release of spurious transcripts or recordings of purported conversations between officials of the host country is a clear violation of Philippine laws and diplomatic protocols. These actions aim to sow discord, division, and disunity among the Filipino people.
Secretary Año further stated that the objective of the Chinese embassy in spreading falsehoods and smears is unmistakable. By bypassing official channels and protocols, engaging in discussions without the necessary authorities or bona fides, and maliciously claiming that these alleged discussions should bind the Philippine government, the embassy’s actions are farcical, foolish, and reckless. These actions represent serious breaches of the basic norms of international relations and diplomacy.
Call for Immediate Removal of Responsible Individuals
Secretary Año firmly asserted that those from the Chinese embassy who are responsible for violating Philippine laws and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, as well as those involved in malign influence and interference operations, must be removed from the country immediately.
The call for action against the Chinese embassy officials reflects the Philippine government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its national security interests. It is essential to address any attempts to undermine diplomatic relations and spread false information that could harm the unity and stability of the Filipino people.
The Anti-Wiretapping Act in the Philippines prohibits the unauthorized interception, disclosure, and use of wire, oral, or electronic communications. Violators of this act may face criminal charges and penalties. By recording and disseminating an alleged phone conversation without consent, the Chinese embassy officials may have violated this law.
Furthermore, the release of spurious transcripts or recordings by the Chinese embassy violates diplomatic protocols and conventions. Diplomatic relations between countries are governed by internationally recognized norms and guidelines, such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This convention outlines the rights and obligations of diplomatic missions and their personnel. The unauthorized dissemination of recorded conversations between officials of the host country is a breach of these protocols.
The actions of the Chinese embassy officials not only undermine the trust and cooperation between the Philippines and China but also jeopardize the overall stability and security in the region. It is crucial for the Philippine government to address these violations and ensure that appropriate actions are taken to safeguard national security interests.
The call for the removal of responsible individuals from the country is a necessary step to prevent further interference and influence operations that may compromise Philippine sovereignty. By removing these individuals, the Philippine government can assert its authority and send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
As the Philippine government takes action against the Chinese embassy officials, it reaffirms its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with all nations while safeguarding its national security interests. It is essential for all countries to respect the laws and protocols governing diplomatic relations to foster mutual trust, cooperation, and stability.
The international community should closely monitor the developments in this case and support the Philippines in its efforts to address these violations. By holding accountable those responsible for breaching laws and protocols, the Philippines can reinforce the importance of upholding international norms and ensuring the integrity of diplomatic relations.
Source: The Manila Times
