Latest news with #DFA
Filipino Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DFA Rejects China's Student Safety Warning, Says PH Is Safe for Foreign Nationals
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday rejected China's recent advisory warning students about safety risks in the Philippines, saying the alert misrepresents the current situation in the country. In a statement, the DFA stressed that the Philippine government is actively addressing all incidents of crime—whether involving Chinese nationals or other foreigners—and that law enforcement authorities are handling these matters properly. 'All instances of crimes, including those involving Chinese and other foreign nationals as well as those perpetrated by foreign nationals against their own, are being addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities,' the DFA said. The advisory in question was issued by China's Ministry of Education on July 18. It called on Chinese students to 'assess the security risks' of studying in the Philippines, citing rising incidents of crime, stop-and-search operations, and alleged harassment. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended the advisory, calling it a 'legitimate measure' meant to protect Chinese students abroad. He also urged the Philippines to take more steps to ensure their safety and rights. But the DFA countered these claims, saying they've already raised concerns over the inaccuracies in the advisory through diplomatic channels and urged China to make the 'necessary corrections.' 'The Philippine Government has been engaging with foreign embassies, including the Chinese Embassy, regarding these cases in good faith,' the DFA added, reaffirming its openness to continued constructive dialogue.
GMA Network
9 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH protests 'inaccurate' China travel advice for students
The Department of Foreign Affairs has protested China's travel warning urging Chinese students who are considering to enrol in Philippine schools to exercise caution due to the unstable security situation in the country, calling the advisory incorrect and inaccurate. In a statement on Sunday, the DFA said the travel bulletin issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education on July 18 "mischaracterizes the situation in the Philippines." "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 said. The Chinese advisory warned that the "security situation in the Philippines has been unstable recently, with a surge in crimes targeting Chinese nationals." It added: "Incidents involving local law enforcement harassing and inspecting Chinese nationals and enterprises have occurred frequently." Chinese students should "carefully assess safety risks and to strengthen their awareness and precautions when considering pursuing study in the Philippines," the advisory said. Some lawmakers last year have expressed concerns on the influx of Chinese students in the northern Philippine province of Cagayan, which hosts two military bases that can be used by American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between Manila and Washington. It was not clear how many Chinese nationals are enrolled in Philippine schools, but previous media reports said the number could be between 400 to 4,600. The Chinese embassy could not confirm this. The DFA maintained that "all instances of crimes, including those involving Chinese and other foreign nationals as well as those perpetrated by foreign nationals against their own, are being addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities." At the same time, Philippine officials are closely in touch with foreign embassies, "including the Chinese Embassy, regarding these cases in good faith," it said. "The Philippines remains committed to constructively discussing matters of mutual concern?with China," the DFA said. The Philippines and China are locked in years-long territorial disputes over parts of the resource-rich South China Sea. Manila largely won a landmark case against China's massive claim in the waters before an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, but Beijing does not recognize the ruling. Chinese Coast Guard, Navy and suspected militia ships have had an alarming number of confrontations with Philippine Coast Guard, Navy and Bureau of Fisheries patrol ships in the disputed waters, where Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also lay claims. China has deployed a much larger number of ships from its coast guard, navy and suspected maritime militia ships in the past years in the South China Sea to assert its extensive claim against smaller claimant states. — Michaela del Callar/RF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
Marcos to Meet Trump at White House to Boost PH-US Ties on Trade, Security
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on July 22 during his official visit to the U.S. from July 20 to 22, Malacañang confirmed. This will mark the first meeting between a Southeast Asian leader and Trump since his return to office, highlighting strong Philippines-U.S. relations. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said the two presidents will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and security. Key topics include addressing the proposed 20% U.S. tariff on Philippine exports, negotiating a mutually beneficial trade agreement, and expanding U.S. investments in the Philippines. Security discussions will cover defense collaboration and maritime stability in the Asia-Pacific, amid regional tensions. President Marcos will also meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21. Due to his packed schedule, the President will not hold a community meeting with Filipinos in the U.S., according to DFA. He is expected to return to Manila on July 22. His delegation includes top Cabinet officials and diplomats.
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Marcos to Invite Trump to Manila for 2026 East Asia Summit During US Visit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will formally invite U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the 2026 East Asia Summit (EAS) in Manila during his official visit to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced. According to DFA Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano, the invitation is symbolic, aligning with the 80th anniversary of Philippine-U.S. diplomatic ties and the 75th year of their defense alliance. As the 2026 ASEAN Chair, Marcos aims to showcase the Philippines' strategic vision for regional security, economic collaboration, and deeper people-to-people engagement. The East Asia Summit gathers ASEAN member states and major global partners including the U.S., China, Japan, and India. Marcos' invitation highlights efforts to deepen U.S.-Philippines ties amid regional tensions. His visit also marks the first official dialogue between a Southeast Asian head of state and Trump since the latter's return to the presidency.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
PH hopes to get more US support in improving Coast Guard, Armed Forces
The Philippines is hoping to acquire more aid from the United States when it comes to improving the capabilities of the country's military sector and the Philippine Coast Guard, according to an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). ''Well, in the agenda of the meetings, there's going to be an exchange of views on regional issues and concerns. So, ultimately, this issue on the West Philippine Sea would be discussed,'' DFA Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano said in a briefing. ''And as to the possible agreements, well, we are hoping to secure the assistance or support of the US government in enhancing the capabilities of our AFP and the Coast Guard, in terms of the capabilities of our armed forces,'' she added. Marcos has since developed closer military and defense ties with the US to strengthen the country's external defense. To recall, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a visit to Manila also reaffirmed the Trump administration's "iron-clad" commitment to its obligations under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which obliges the allies to help defend one another in case of an external attack. Marcos will be leaving Manila for Washington on Sunday, July 20. The cabinet secretaries who will join Marcos include Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Secretary of Trade and Investments Christina Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
