CHINA: China denies recent plots to attack its embassy in Manila are linked to territorial disputes, issues travel warning to citizens in the Philippines
Record ID:
565567
CHINA: China denies recent plots to attack its embassy in Manila are linked to territorial disputes, issues travel warning to citizens in the Philippines
- Title: CHINA: China denies recent plots to attack its embassy in Manila are linked to territorial disputes, issues travel warning to citizens in the Philippines
- Date: 12th September 2014
- Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (SEPTEMBER 12, 2014) (REUTERS) FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING, WALKING IN FOR REGULAR NEWS CONFERENCE JOURNALISTS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING, SAYING: "It think it's not really appropriate to link terrorist attacks on Chinese citizens and territorial disputes between China and the Philippines." JOURNALISTS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING, SAYING: "With regard to recent terror attacks by some people in the Philippines targeting Chinese diplomatic buildings, enterprises and markets, everyone is clear, (that) we firmly oppose all forms of terror attacks, any time, any place, regardless of the motives. We demand the Philippines take practical and effective measures to guarantee the security of Chinese facilities and personnel." JOURNALISTS SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN, HUA CHUNYING, SAYING: "According to the Philippines' official explanation, criminal gangs recently attempted to launch explosive attacks on the Chinese embassy, Chinese enterprises and Philippine markets and public facilities. China highly emphasizes the security of its citizens abroad." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS EXTERIOR OF FOREIGN MINISTRY BUILDING CHINESE FLAG
- Embargoed: 27th September 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: China
- Country: China
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA2RS5ZGISIPP5MORB26HZ6U7GI
- Story Text: China said on Friday (September 12) recent plots to attack its embassy in the Philippines are not linked to territorial disputes between the two countries.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told media that Philippines police confirmed that a number of "criminal groups" had planned to attack the Chinese embassy and other targets owned by Chinese enterprises in Manila.
However Hua said the planned attacks were not linked to the territorial disputes between the two countries.
"It think it's not really appropriate to link terrorist attacks on Chinese citizens and territorial disputes between China and the Philippines," Hua said at a daily news conference in Beijing.
The Philippines is in dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, an area believed to be rich in oil and natural gas as well as fisheries resources.
China seized control of the shoal in June 2012 and has prevented Philippine fishermen from getting close to the rocky outcrop, a rich fishing ground.
Hua said China has called upon Manila to protect its citizens in the Philippines.
"With regard to recent terror attacks by some people in the Philippines targeting Chinese diplomatic buildings, enterprises and markets, everyone is clear, (that) we firmly oppose all forms of terror attacks, any time, any place, regardless of the motives. We demand the Philippines take practical and effective measures to guarantee the security of Chinese facilities and personnel," said Hua.
Hua added that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued an official travel warning as of Friday to its citizens in the Philippines.
"According to the Philippines' official explanation, criminal gangs recently attempted to launch explosive attacks on the Chinese embassy, Chinese enterprises and Philippine markets and public facilities. China highly emphasizes the security of its citizens abroad," said Hua.
An 18 year-old Chinese man was abducted by armed gunman in the southern Philippines on Monday (September 11), Philippines local media said.
Quoting a police statement, the kidnappers have yet to establish contact with the relevant authorities, Philippines local media said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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