The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally requested the Chinese Ministry of Education to amend what it called a misleading advisory discouraging Chinese students from studying in the Philippines due to alleged safety concerns.
In a statement issued Sunday, July 20, the DFA confirmed it has reached out through diplomatic channels to express its concern over the travel warning, which claimed frequent crimes targeting Chinese nationals in Manila.
“The Department has conveyed its concerns regarding the inaccuracies in the advisory issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education through diplomatic channels. It is hoped that the Chinese side will undertake the necessary corrections,” the DFA stated.
China’s Ministry of Education had earlier released an alert urging students to reassess safety risks before pursuing studies in the Philippines. It was their second such study-abroad advisory for 2025, according to state-run Global Times.
The DFA, however, underscored that the Philippine government continues to work closely with foreign embassies—including China’s—to address security matters. It also stressed that all criminal incidents involving foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, are being acted upon by Philippine law enforcement.
“The relevant advisory issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education mischaracterizes the situation in the Philippines,” the DFA said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with Beijing.
“The Philippines remains committed to constructively discussing matters of mutual concern with China,” it added.
