China urges Philippines to ensure safety of Chinese students studying in Philippines

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday urged the Philippines to take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese students studying in the Philippines.

China's Ministry of Education released an overseas study alert on Friday, urging students to assess security risks of studying in the Philippines and raise their awareness of precautions. The ministry cited the Philippines' recent deteriorating public security situation and increasing criminal activities against Chinese citizens as the reason for the alert.

The Chinese government's issuance of the alert is a reasonable measure taken in a responsible manner to protect the safety and rights of Chinese students studying abroad, spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

"We once again remind Chinese students studying in the Philippines to assess security risks, and urge the Philippines to take concrete measures to protect the safety, dignity and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students studying in the Philippines," he said.