China takes action against over 100 Philippine nationals for illegal work, residence

China's immigration authorities have taken law-based action against more than 100 Philippine nationals for illegal employment and illegal residence in China, as part of efforts to step up supervision over such violations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday.

Guo made the remarks in a news release, responding to a question on whether the move could be interpreted as China's response to the Philippines' frequent detention of Chinese nationals.

"China's national immigration authorities have consistently stepped up supervision over foreigners who illegally enter, reside or work in China, and have carried out special operations in accordance with the law," Guo said, indicating that the action against the Philippine nationals was part of these routine operations.

He stressed that during the special operations, immigration staff acted in a standard and civil manner, and ensured the protection of the rights and interests of the foreign nationals concerned.