China issues study abroad alert over safety risks in the Philippines

China's Ministry of Education has issued its second study abroad alert for 2025 on Friday, warning that the security situation in the Philippines has been unstable recently, with a surge in crimes targeting Chinese nationals. The ministry advised students to carefully assess safety risks and to strengthen their awareness and precautions when considering pursuing study in the Philippines.

In a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on April 1, the embassy said in recent times, the public security situation in the Philippines has been unstable. Incidents involving local law enforcement harassing and inspecting Chinese nationals and enterprises have occurred frequently. Political gatherings, protests, and demonstrations have also become more common across the country, resulting in heightened security risks for Chinese nationals and institutions in the Philippines.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines urge Chinese nationals to closely monitor local security developments, strengthen personal safety precautions and emergency preparedness, minimize unnecessary outings, and avoid political gatherings and crowded areas. Chinese nationals are also advised to comply with local laws and regulations and remain alert to potential safety traps or scams, according to the statement. 

The embassy also reminded those planning to travel to the Philippines to carefully assess the risks and make prudent travel decisions.

In response to a media inquiry on what's China's consideration behind the announcement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the alert is a responsible and legitimate measure taken by the Chinese government to protect the safety and rights and interests of Chinese students overseas.

"We once again remind Chinese students studying in the Philippines to make a careful assessment of the safety risks. At the same time, we urge the Philippines to take concrete actions to protect the safety, dignity and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students studying in the Philippines," the spokesperson said.