The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised an objection against China’s travel advisory to the Philippines, assuring instead that law enforcement officers are addressing reported crimes, including those perpetrated by Chinese nationals.
DFA on Beijing's advisory: PH law enforcers addressing crimes even those involving Chinese
A man holds the flags of China and the Philippines. (AP Photo)
In a statement on Monday, Sept. 1, the DFA maintained that China “mischaracterizes the situation in the Philippines.”
“Instances of crimes reported or known to law enforcement authorities, including those perpetrated by Chinese nationals against their compatriots, are being vigorously addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities,” it said.
“The Philippine Government has been engaging with relevant stakeholders on these cases,” the statement added.
This came after the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned Chinese nationals about the “worsening” public security in the Philippines particularly targeting Chinese nationals.
The Ministry and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the Philippines “remind fellow Chinese nationals there to closely monitor local security, exercise increased caution, strengthen self-protection measures, avoid high-risk areas, and ensure personal and property safety.”
They also advised “those intending to visit the country to conduct careful risk assessments before planning trips.”
The DFA, for its part, stressed its commitment to “constructively addressing matters of mutual concern with China.”
It also cited the recently concluded 9th Philippines-China Joint Consular Consultation Meeting, wherein both sides discussed concerns and measures and expressed readiness to deepen law enforcement cooperation.
In July, the Chinese Ministry of Education also issued an advisory to Chinese students against studying in the Philippines.