Concerns Over Chinese Nationals Influx
Lawmakers in the Philippines have raised alarms over the increasing number of Chinese nationals in the province of Cagayan, citing potential national security risks. The government has deployed units to investigate the situation.
Unusual Influx of Chinese Nationals
Reports indicate that around 4,600 Chinese nationals have recently arrived in Cagayan, a region critical for national security due to its proximity to Taiwan. These individuals have enrolled in private universities, sparking concerns among officials.
Potential National Security Threat
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, stated that intelligence units are assessing the situation to determine if it poses a national security threat or if it is simply a matter of students seeking education in the Philippines.
Concerns of a ‘Creeping Invasion’
Some lawmakers have labeled the influx as a “creeping invasion,” with Congressman Robert Ace Barbers expressing suspicions about the motives of the Chinese students. Barbers raised questions about the high number of enrollments in Cagayan, particularly near sites covered by the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States.
- Barbers questioned the students’ interest in pursuing advanced degrees in the Philippines.
- He highlighted a recent police raid involving a Chinese national found in possession of high-powered firearms.
Security Implications
The region where the influx is occurring hosts key sites under the EDCA, intensifying security concerns and impacting national security and cooperation with the US.
Conclusion
The situation in Cagayan underscores the delicate balance between national security, foreign relations, and educational exchanges, requiring thorough investigation and vigilance.
