Unang sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo na sinabi ni Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua na ipapadeport din ng China ang mga manggagawang Pilipino kapag ginawa ang parehong hakbang laban sa Chinese workers sa bansa.
“The Chinese embassy in the Philippines did not say that Beijing would adopt a ‘tit-for-tat’ approach should the Philippine government deport Chinese nationals found working illegally in the country,” pahayang ng China’s diplomatic mission sa isang statement.
“China adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Chinese law enforcement agencies will continue to properly handle relevant issues concerning foreign nationals working illegally in China in accordance with laws and regulations,” dagdag ng pahayag.
Nilinaw na rin ni Panelo na hindi nagbanta si Zhao kundi nagpahayag lamang ito ng reaksyon sa isyu ng mga Chinese workers sa bansa.