China warns foreign students of security concerns in PH

Metro Manila, Philippines - China’s Ministry of Education has issued a study abroad alert, warning its foreign students of security concerns in the Philippines.

The advisory, the second of its kind, highlighted a recent surge in crimes specifically targeting Chinese nationals. It urged students to carefully evaluate safety risks before considering study plans in the country.

“The Ministry of Education reminds all students planning to study in the Philippines to thoroughly assess safety risks and enhance safety precautions during this period,” the ministry said in a statement.

The alert follows a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on April 1, which underscored an increasingly unstable public security environment.

According to the embassy, incidents involving harassment and inspections of Chinese nationals and businesses by local law enforcement have become more frequent in recent months.

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the Philippine National Police for comment on the advisory.

In a statement in April, the PNP said that it is committed to protecting both locals and foreign nationals in the country amid the initial travel warning released by the embassy. The PNP also denied singling out Chinese nationals in law enforcement activities.