MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday clarified that it would not be enforcing a "tit-for-tat" policy on deporting illegal workers, opposing the earlier statement of Malacañang.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said the Philippine government would not act recklessly on supposed violations of Chinese citizens in the country as Beijing might employ a similar policy to Filipinos in China.

The Chinese Embassy stressed that Beijing adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

"The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines did not say that Beijing would adopt 'tit-for-tat' approach should the Philippine government deport Chinese nationals found working illegally in the country," the embassy said in a statement.

As for foreigners working illegally in China, it would be the task of Chinese law enforcement agencies to handle such cases in accordance with domestic laws and regulations.

The embassy also noted that China respects the Philippines' laws and regulations on foreign nationals working in the country.

Beijing stood firm on its position that Chinese nationals should not be staying or working illegally in other countries, including the Philippines.

"China hopes that the Philippine law enforcement agencies would continue to deal with relevant issues in accordance with the laws and regulations in a professional manner," the statement read.

The Chinese Embassy said it has always been reminding its nationals in the Philippines to observe local laws through consular notices.

Earlier this week, Malacañang said the government would be enforcing immigration laws against illegal Chinese workers in the country.

This statement came after President Rodrigo Duterte said Chinese workers should just be allowed to remain in the Philippines.

"We wish to clarify that the president's policy on Chinese workers who are illegally staying in the country remains the same, which is the enforcement of immigration laws against violators," Panelo earlier said.

The presidential mouthpiece said the government would be applying "with full force" the country's laws to all foreign nationals that violate them.