Given the tense political ties between China and the Philippines at present, the latter has a special responsibility for protecting Chinese citizens. Relations between China and the Philippines remain strained following their dispute over the sovereignty of some islets in the South China Sea and maritime territory demarcation, and hostility toward China has grown in official and non-government circles in the Philippines following the escalation of tensions.

Against this backdrop, the Philippine government has conducted selective law enforcement on Chinese citizens, and some anti-China organizations have even plotted attacks against the Chinese Embassy in Manila. The ever-growing anti-China sentiment has also directly led to an obvious rise in the number of robberies and kidnapping cases involving Chinese citizens. In this context, it is incumbent on the Philippine government to extend special protection to the Chinese embassy, consulates, enterprises and people based in the Philippines.

Any country contravenes its international obligations and forgoes its national responsibilities if it takes legal, judicial or administrative measures that infringe on the rights and interests of foreigners in the country, or takes no precautionary or punitive measures against behavior aimed at executing such damage. In fact, by not properly investigating any crimes against foreigners and so allowing the criminals to remain at large, the Philippine authorities are actually conniving in the crimes to some extent.

In recent months, attacks on Chinese citizens have increased, and in all, 18 Chinese people have been killed. However, no criminals have been detained. The Philippine government's assertion that "the Philippines is a safe place and one of the countries that harbors the most friendly attitude toward Chinese people" is simply a house built on sand.

The Chinese government consistently demands that its citizens abroad abide by local laws, respect local customs, deal with the local people in a fair and friendly manner and at the same time remain vigilant to safety threats.

In view of the deteriorating safety situation in the Philippines, the Chinese foreign ministry recently advised Chinese people to temporarily stop going to the Philippines. But the Chinese government should also urge the Philippine government to undertake its responsibilities and launch investigations into related cases and bring the criminals to justice.

The author is a professor of international law and marine law at the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC.