The recent influx of Chinese students in the Cagayan Province of the Philippines has triggered alarm among local lawmakers, who view it as a potential threat to national security. This apprehension is compounded by the assertive actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
The province, located at the northern tip of Luzon Island and facing Taiwan, has witnessed a surge in Chinese student enrollment at a private university, with many opting to reside in various areas across the city of Tuguegarao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have pledged to investigate this phenomenon in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait and U.S. military activities in Northern Luzon, concerns have been raised regarding the motives behind this sudden demographic shift.
Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the AFP, reiterated the commitment to thoroughly investigate this surge. Representative Joseph Joal Lara from Cagayan province is collaborating with the National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency (NICA) to closely monitor the activities of Chinese nationals in the region.
Lawmaker Robert Ace Barbers voiced apprehension over the significant presence of Chinese nationals, questioning the oversight that allowed such numbers to go unnoticed. He cited a case where Chinese nationals were found to be part of the Philippine Coast Guard auxiliary team for two years before being removed.
In Manila, an unnamed military General expressed similar concerns to the South China Morning Post, highlighting the presence of Chinese nationals residing near Camp Aguinaldo. Defense analyst Chester Cabalza emphasized the potential risks posed by the influx of wealthy Chinese students and businessmen amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In response to calls for investigation, Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba downplayed the security risks posed by foreign students, attributing their presence to agreements between language schools and the Commission on Higher Education.
However, amidst sovereignty disputes with the CCP in the South China Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has sought security guarantees from the United States. The Philippines recently agreed to increase the number of bases available to U.S. forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), including two bases in Cagayan Province—Camilo Osias Naval Base and Lao airport.
This surge of Chinese students and businessmen in Cagayan Province coincides with China’s increasing economic influence in the region, leading to socio-economic changes and a booming local economy. Yet, questions arise regarding potential CCP influence and control.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between welcoming foreign students and safeguarding national security. The expansion of U.S. bases reflects the Philippines’ commitment to defending its sovereignty amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
