DND slams Chinese Embassy’s ‘evasive’ reply – BusinessWorld Online
THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday accused the Chinese Embassy of evading questions and spreading “disingenuous misinformation” in its response to Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.’s remarks on the arrest of Chinese nationals.
DND spokesman Arsenio R. Andolong said the embassy’s statement failed to address the issues raised by Mr. Teodoro and instead sought to deflect attention through questions and rhetoric.
“The Chinese Embassy’s response does not contain any answers,” Mr. Andolong said in a statement on Sunday. “Instead, it is full of questions and rhetoric.”
He described the response as “a classic example of evasiveness and a badge of deception,” adding that in legal practice, it constitutes “an implied admission of culpability.”
“They cannot hide behind their disingenuous misinformation,” Mr. Andolong said.
The Chinese Embassy, through spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, earlier called Mr. Teodoro’s remarks “completely unfounded,” accusing him of distorting facts and questioning his actions involving Chinese nationals detained by Philippine authorities.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Ji raised seven questions about Mr. Teodoro’s statements, including his role in law enforcement operations, the circumstances surrounding the detention of Chinese nationals and whether Philippine authorities followed applicable legal and consular procedures.
The embassy also challenged Mr. Teodoro’s characterization of the Chinese nationals as having engaged in illegal activities, citing a May 28 resolution by Philippine national prosecution authorities that it said ordered the release of 70 Chinese nationals unless they were being detained for other lawful causes.
The embassy accused Mr. Teodoro of pursuing “anti-China activities” and said his actions were aimed at destabilizing China-Philippine relations and prolonging tensions between the two countries. — Pexcel John Bacon