MANILA, Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has refuted China’s recent travel advisory warning its citizens of a “worsening” security situation in the Philippines targetting Chinese nationals, saying it misrepresents the country’s actual conditions.
“The relevant travel advisories issued by China mischaracterise the situation in the Philippines,” the DFA said in a statement on Monday.
According to the agency, law enforcement authorities are addressing reported crime incidents, including those perpetrated by Chinese nationals against their compatriots.
The DFA added that the government is also coordinating with relevant parties on these cases.
“The Philippines remains committed to constructively addressing matters of mutual concern with China,” it said.
The DFA also recalled the recently concluded joint consular consultation meeting between Beijing and Manila, where both sides tackled respective concerns and measures “and expressed readiness to deepen law enforcement cooperation.”
In the travel advisory released on Aug. 30, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the increasing crime incidents in the Philippines were allegedly targetting Chinese nationals.
It reminded Chinese citizens to “closely monitor local security, exercise increased caution, strengthen self-protection measures, avoid high-risk areas and ensure personal and property safety, while also advising those intending to visit the country to conduct careful risk assessments before planning trips.”
The travel advisory came a month after the Chinese Ministry of Education reportedly issued on July 18 an overseas study alert, calling on students to “assess the security risks” of studying in the Philippines.
The DFA also objected to that advisory, saying that it “mischaracterised” the situation in the Philippines. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
