Chinese Embassy and US Staff Clash Over Spy Claims

The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines expressed shock and concern over a US Embassy staff member's comments during a traffic stop, where he suggested that having a photo of his passport taken could lead to it being sold to 'Chinese spies.' The incident, which occurred when the US vehicle was cited for illegal use of a busway, drew criticism from the Chinese Embassy, which deemed the accusations against China baseless. The US Embassy acknowledged the incident and reiterated that all staff must comply with Philippine laws. This incident comes amid rising tensions related to espionage, with multiple arrests of individuals accused of spying for China in Taiwan and the Philippines. China's Ministry of State Security has increased its public warnings against espionage, emphasizing vigilance and caution against foreign spies, particularly in light of recent national security measures.