Written for The Diplomat
Philippine lawmakers have hurled accusations against some of their colleagues for allegedly taking a pro-China stand on the issue of the South China Sea.
China’s repeated harassment of Filipino fisherfolk will continue make the “pro-China” label a potent political weapon to demonize those who are critical of the decision of the Marcos government to intensify and expand U.S. military presence in the Philippines as a supposed deterrent to Chinese aggression in the country’s maritime territories.
The specter of foreign intervention was an issue that was raised during the 2025 midterm election. That lawmakers are openly and strongly castigating their fellow politicians for being “pro-China” provides a glimpse of how issues linked to China’s influence and activities in the country will animate the political debates ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Philippine Authorities Call Out Alleged Chinese Election Interference
Written for The Diplomat
Philippine authorities have flagged the alleged meddling of China in the ongoing campaign for the midterm local and national elections scheduled for May 12. China has denied the accusation, but the specter of foreign interference has become an election narrative that could influence not just the results but also the long-term prospects of political forces suspected of promoting anti-Filipino interests.
The latest foreign interference allegations involving Chinese spies and pro-Beijing influencers could affect the last leg of the midterm election campaign. The results of the investigation could highlight the extent of Chinese influence within the country’s major political parties. More importantly, it is a timely reminder for the public to be more critical of the information they receive online and to always ask if a trending news narrative serves a partisan agenda, especially those coming from dubious sources.