DFA protests China's travel warning for Filipino students

The Department of Foreign Affairs has protested a travel warning issued by China's Ministry of Education on July 18 that advises Chinese students to exercise caution when studying in the Philippines due to security concerns.

In a statement on Sunday, July 20, the DFA called the advisory incorrect and inaccurate, emphasizing its mischaracterization of the situation in the country.

The Chinese advisory warns about an unstable security situation with a surge in crimes targeting Chinese nationals and frequent incidents involving local law enforcement harassing and inspecting them.

Philippine officials maintain that all crime cases are being addressed by relevant authorities and remain committed to constructive discussions with China on mutual concerns.

Despite the DFA's reassurances, some lawmakers have previously expressed concern over the influx of Chinese students in Cagayan province, which hosts military bases used under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington.

The DFA confirmed it has conveyed its concerns regarding inaccuracies in the advisory through formal diplomatic channels, urging Beijing to correct them.

In April this year, a similar warning was issued by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines over unstable public security.