THE Chinese Embassy insisted that the allegation concerning the influx of Chinese students in Cagayan was a malicious attempt by Filipino politicians to incite anger against China.
There is a strong cultural connection and robust relations between the people of the Philippines and China.
According to the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, “Cultural & people-to-people exchanges” are the longest and most progressive part of China-Philippines relations.
As a result, in recent years, there has been rapid growth in educational exchanges and cooperation between the two countries- resulting in deeper understanding between their citizens.
However, according to the Chinese embassy, some politicians are exaggerating maritime issues between China and the Philippines.
“However, individual Philippine politicians are hyping up China-Philippines maritime issues,” said Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.
These politicians are also allegedly exaggerating maritime differences in the name of national security to serve their political agenda and personal interests and to undermine cooperation between China and the Philippines.
“And exaggerating the maritime differences in the name of national security to serve their political agenda and self-interest and undermine China-Philippines cooperation,” stated Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.
The Chinese Embassy further asserts that the baseless accusations against educational exchanges between China and the Philippines are another malicious way to sow suspicion and resentment against China.
The embassy’s statement stems from a recent report submitted by Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lara to the House of Representatives regarding the issue.
It mentioned the purported alarming increase in the number of Chinese citizens going to the province of Cagayan as students enrolled in various higher education institutions (HEIs) from the past years up to the present year.
The lawmaker called it a ‘serious concern’ to national security for Chinese students to flock to Cagayan amidst the strategic geographical location of Cagayan and maritime disputes, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
Cagayan Gov. Mamba sees no threat to national security from Chinese students
Meanwhile, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba stated that he sees no threat from Chinese students.
He mentioned that the intelligence community is the one that can determine whether these students pose a threat to national security.
In fact, in meetings with the intelligence community, Mamba said there was no discussion of any threat from Chinese students.
“Here is the Regional office of NICA, the regional office of the NBI is also here, and the regional office of the PNP, the provincial office of the PNP. As a member and as the chairman of the Peace and Order here,” Gov. Manuel Mamba, Cagayan Province said.
There was no discussion of any threat coming from any Chinese student or Chinese groups here.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines previously stated that they are looking into the “national security implications” of the reported influx of Chinese students in Cagayan.
“Any report that is given to the armed forces, we take it seriously. So, we have there how they got into the Philippines in the first place, the legality of their entry into our country. They are students, so do they have the necessary papers? They are students, so do they have student visas?” Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson, AFP stated.
Padilla said the AFP is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regarding the issue.
Governor Mamba’s office previously assured that foreign students in Cagayan went through a proper process. He also emphasized that there are no diploma mills in Cagayan, but rather, they advocate for quality education.
Governor Mamba also clarified the number of Chinese students in the province of Cagayan.
