DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has raised concerns that educational exchanges and academic relationships involving China could potentially be used to gain access to information and establish a foothold in the Philippines.
Teodoro said in a media forum over the weekend that the government received information about the possible use of educational exchanges to gather information in the Philippines, as he warned of broader efforts to shape public opinion through what he described as cognitive information warfare.
“We have seen, too, information regarding the use of these educational exchanges to gain a foothold into the Philippines in order for them to scope for information,” Teodoro said.
He clarified that he was referring to information about such activities and not necessarily established evidence of wrongdoing.
Teodoro said the issue should be viewed in the broader context of China’s state-controlled political and educational system.
He acknowledged that Chinese scholars are highly capable but questioned the extent to which they could operate independently under a system in which education is state-run and state-supervised.
He also cited China’s national security law, which he said imposes obligations on Chinese citizens and entities that can affect their relationship with the Chinese state.
Teodoro said such concerns were part of a broader information environment in which foreign actors could seek to influence public perceptions and narratives.
He said the Philippines must develop greater patriotism, awareness and discernment among Filipinos to help them distinguish legitimate exchanges and information from efforts that could undermine national interests.
Teodoro, however cautioned against allowing concerns over Chinese influence to fuel discrimination.
“We don’t want to create an atmosphere of xenophobia in this country. We don’t want to create bigotry in this country,” he said.
