Chinese interference in Philippine elections is a growing concern, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, who warned of China’s alleged efforts to influence the country’s democratic process.
Teodoro stated that since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 through revolution, it has maintained a mission rooted in Mao Zedong’s ideology to spread revolution worldwide.
He emphasized that China was “born of a revolutionary method” and that global revolutionary expansion is embedded in the legacy and mission statements of Mao Zedong.
On April 24, National Security Council Spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told the Senate that there were indications of potential Chinese interference in the upcoming midterm elections.
China has strongly denied these allegations, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterating that Beijing adheres to a policy of non-interference and has no interest in meddling in Philippine elections.
Despite this, Teodoro insisted that China is engaged in “united front work,” a coordinated influence and propaganda operation supported by a dedicated government department in Beijing.
He further claimed that these actions are carried out using “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” tactics that threaten the integrity of the electoral process.