Chinese volunteer teachers withdrawn from Philippine schools after parental safety concerns

After Chinese volunteer teachers’ parents raised safety concerns—citing critical pieces by Ray Powell and comments from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.—the Chinese Embassy in Manila and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. approved a recall of about 150 teachers from Philippine schools. A report from Chinese Commercial News indicated that institutions like Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan City and Jubilee Christian Academy in Quezon City would lose staff.

The recall follows heightened Manila-Beijing friction over South China Sea disputes and accusations that Chinese-linked education programs serve United Front objectives, including training at Jinan University and other Chinese universities. Officials said no concrete incident prompted the decision, and the Chinese Embassy denounced the criticism as a “malicious smear campaign.” Teachers are slated to depart in groups starting Oct. 1, while Defense Secretary Teodoro warned against foreign influence but cautioned against xenophobia.