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Sunday, February 9, 2025

China embassy denies hacking attempts vs. PH envoy to US

The Chinese Embassy disputed Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez’s claims that he was repeatedly targeted by Chinese hackers.

Romualdez said he informed the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian about the alleged hacking during a meeting in Manila and also discussed it at a forum in Washington.

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However, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson said that Huang, after verification, was surprised by the claim, stating that he hadn’t met Romualdez in a long time and that they never discussed the hacking issue.

The spokesperson added that Huang doesn’t know where Romualdez got the story.

Romualdez, quoted by ABS-CBN News, maintained his account, suggesting Huang may not recall the conversation and that he has been raising concerns about the alleged hacking since 2023.

He claimed that he was warned by US intelligence sources about being a target, has had his phone hacked multiple times, and has had to change phones three times.

He also alleged that other Philippine officials are targets, based on US intelligence. Romualdez said he has personally reported these matters of national security to President Marcos, at his own expense, due to the DFA not covering such trips.

Romualdez has previously warned about a China-originated smear campaign against Philippine officials, intended to strain relations with allies, citing examples like a fake recall order against him and misinformation about a flag-burning incident.

He also claimed cyberattacks against Philippine institutions began when President Marcos took office in 2022, with the President being “very concerned” and the government investing heavily in cybersecurity.

China has been publicly accused of cyberattacks by numerous countries. The Center for Strategic and International Studies documented several incidents in 2024 alone, targeting governments including the Netherlands, the UK, Canada, Palau, Germany, Thailand, and the US. Eight countries, including the US and several allies, issued a joint advisory in July 2024 warning about Chinese state-sponsored cyber activity.

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