MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila denied allegations that China funneled funds to a political faction in the Philippines, calling the claims a “false narrative” fabricated and spread by certain Philippine politicians.

The statement came days after former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV held a press conference and alleged that hundreds of millions of pesos from Chinese government and corporate sources went to entities linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

In a statement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said the embassy had noted that certain Philippine politicians were spreading allegations that China had funneled funds to a particular political faction.

The embassy did not identify the politicians or the political faction referred to in the statement.

“The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has noted that recently certain Philippine politicians fabricated and spread a false narrative alleging that China had funneled funds to a particular political faction in the Philippines, and the Embassy’s website has been maliciously linked to as a redirect destination.”

Trillanes alleged during his Oct. 2 press conference that more than PHP319 million from Chinese government and China-based corporate sources went to Cale88 Foods Corp., a company he linked to Carpio. He also alleged that the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines received PHP150 million from the Chinese Embassy.

The allegations have also been discussed in Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, where financial records involving Cale88 have been presented. Trillanes has said the alleged transactions could have national security implications.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro earlier urged Trillanes to turn over his evidence to law enforcement authorities, saying the allegations, if substantiated, could have serious national security implications.

The Chinese Embassy strongly rejected the allegations.

“We strongly condemn and firmly oppose such malicious rhetoric and actions. We urge the relevant individuals in the Philippines to stop political manipulation and not to drag Philippine domestic politics into China-Philippines relations. Attempts to achieve personal political gains by smearing and discrediting China and harming China’s interests and image are doomed to fail, and will ultimately undermine the interests of the Philippines and its people.”

The embassy also said it would take measures to protect its interests and dignity.

“The Chinese Embassy will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate interests and dignity.”