MANILA - The so-called "espionage" operation of a Chinese citizen in the Philippines is baseless speculation and accusation, a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in the Philippines said in a statement Saturday.

The spokesperson said the Chinese embassy had expressed concerns to the Philippine side and requested consular visits to the said Chinese citizen to provide consular assistance.

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The statement came following reports that Philippine authorities have cracked a "Chinese spy case" and arrested a Chinese citizen suspected of conducting an "espionage" operation in the Philippines.

"We urge the Philippine side to base its judgment on facts, not to make a presumption of guilt, stop airing groundless speculations about the so-called 'Chinese spy case,' handle relevant cases in accordance with the law, earnestly fulfill the obligations of the bilateral consular treaty and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines," the statement read.