Philippine embassy in Beijing warns Filipinos to be cautious ahead of court ruling over South China Sea territorial dispute
The Philippine embassy in Beijing has advised Filipinos in China to remain cautious on the eve of an international court ruling on the South China Sea territorial dispute.
Security, including the deployment of extra police and plain-clothed officers, has been increased outside the embassy.
A member of staff at the embassy on Tuesday said it had sent out reminders last week through the messaging mobile app WeChat to remind all Filipinos on the mainland to stay vigilant and be careful about their personal safety.
Reminders include monitoring news reports or announcements from the embassy and not to discuss or debate political issues in groups or on social media.
Filipinos in China were also reminded to take with them their passport or resident permits at all times. A hotline has also been provided for Filipinos to call.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague is set to hand down a ruling on the South China Sea dispute later on Tuesday.
China has refused to participate in the case.
Nationalist protests in China are not without precedent.
A series of anti-Japanese demonstrations broke out in 2012 across major cities in China amid the escalation of maritime disputes with Japan over the Senkaku Islands, or the Diaoyus in Chinese.
