National security must not kill Philippines-China academic ties

AI Summary

Rising tensions between China and the Philippines have disrupted academic and cultural exchanges, with about 150 Chinese teachers leaving the Philippines after security warnings from Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The departures have affected classes and could also harm tourism and further reduce people-to-people contact between the countries.

Educational and cultural exchanges have become a new casualty of rising tensions between the Philippines and China. About 150 Chinese teachers have left the Philippines months after Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr renewed warnings that such people-to-people ties could pose security concerns. Families of volunteer instructors have expressed safety concerns. Beyond disrupting classes and potentially harming tourism in the Philippines, this could further narrow interaction between the two...