April 20, 2024 - The National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines is currently investigating the reported influx of Chinese college students in Cagayan, a province in the northern part of the country. This investigation was initiated due to concerns about whether the presence of these students could pose a national security threat.
The Numbers Game
One of the primary issues that the NSC is trying to resolve is the discrepancy in the reported number of Chinese students in Cagayan. According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), there are only a hundred Chinese students in the province. However, intelligence reports suggest that the number could be as high as a thousand.
In addition, a report from the Philippine News Bureau stated that a total of 1,516 Chinese students were granted student visas in Cagayan in 2023. However, the BI chief mentioned that they received reports that only 400 Chinese are onsite, because the school is said to be implementing distance learning.
The Alleged Degree-for-Sale Scheme
Another issue that has raised eyebrows is the alleged “degree-for-sale” scheme. Under this scheme, Chinese students are allegedly paying up to P2 million in exchange for a degree. Reports suggest that many of these students are not attending classes but still get their diplomas. This serious allegation has prompted the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to express readiness to investigate the matter.
The Reasons for Their Presence
The reasons why these Chinese students are choosing to study in the Philippines, and in Cagayan in particular, are not entirely clear. However, the BI Commissioner suggested that the rise in the number of foreign students may be attributed to a “post-pandemic rebound” and to the "aggressive marketing of schools and government agencies to boost the country’s educational tourism".
The Security Implications
The presence of a large number of foreign students in a particular area could potentially have implications for national security. This is especially true if the students are from a country that has a complex and sensitive relationship with the host country, as is the case with China and the Philippines.
The NSC’s investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what its findings will reveal. Regardless of the outcome, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a careful balance between welcoming foreign students and ensuring national security.