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 sides, creating more conditions for misunderstanding. At a time when official relations are fraying, putting academic exchanges under increased scrutiny could close one of the few channels to bridge the growing rift between the two neighbours.

The departure of Chinese teachers is the latest in a string of setbacks in bilateral ties. In May, authorities raided a steel plant in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao and arrested 70 Chinese citizens who were accused of being undocumented workers. All 70 were later released after the Department of Justice ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove allegations of having violated local regulations. Beijing sanctioned Teodoro and his family the next month.

In July, Chinese and Philippine vessels clashed at the Second Thomas Shoal as Manila hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) foreign ministers’ meeting. In August, more than 100 Filipinos were arrested in China and accused of violating immigration laws. Manila said a Chinese coastguard vessel rammed a Philippine government ship off the coast of Palawan province last month. Earlier this month, the Philippine coastguard sent one of its largest vessels and an aircraft to drive the Chinese research ship Jia Hai Ke 7 from waters around the Batanes Islands.

Despite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s calling for a reset of ties with China in March and reiterating that call in July, steadying relations between Manila and Beijing remains elusive. Chinese visitors to the Philippines have yet to return to their pre-pandemic high of 1.74 million in 2019, managing just over 262,000 arrivals last year.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia also have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, yet they all welcomed far more Chinese tourists last year. Rougher political weather makes a huge difference. Even Cambodia and Laos received more Chinese visitors.

A similar picture emerges in investment. Chinese foreign direct investment in the Philippines reached US$164.7 million last year. In comparison, Indonesia received US$4.59 billion in Chinese investment while Vietnam saw US$3.92 billion. Political risk and souring ties are complicating fulfilment of investment pledges.

The diplomatic chill has also manifested in attendance at regional trade fairs. In 2022, Marcos gave a pre-recorded video message at the 19th China-Asean Expo, held annually in Nanning, the capital of southern Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. In last month’s edition, the Philippines was represented only by Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque despite being Asean chair and this year’s “country of honour”.

Securitisation is eroding the economic ballast of bilateral relations and is now threatening even people-to-people linkages. Educational ties becoming subject to national security considerations could deprive Manila of the language proficiency that can provide a foundation for an adept and nuanced policy towards Beijing. It runs counter to the promotion of Chinese language in educational settings elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Thailand has five times as many Confucius Institute locations as the Philippines. Indonesia has twice as many. The number of volunteer Chinese teachers in Thailand rose from 23 in 2003 to more than 17,000 in 2019. Instead of sending a chilling effect to scholars engaging in China studies, Manila should encourage academic dialogue to gain a range of views about its largest trade partner and the rising global power next door.

Multilingual graduates of Chinese-Filipino schools with links to Chinese peers have contributed to Philippine governance, business, professions and public life. They are anchors and sources of inspiration. Deep knowledge of Chinese language and culture has helped Filipino companies succeed in the world’s most competitive market.

Examples of these successes include Liwayway Marketing Corporation – the maker of popular snack brand Oishi – property developer SM Group and the Jollibee restaurant group. Deep knowledge of China helped make Chito Santa Romana and Jaime FlorCruz top-notch journalists who reported on China for US news agencies. They would later serve as Manila’s top envoys to Beijing, providing unmatched insights.

Developing China expertise is essential for the Philippines. From industry and technology to defence and foreign affairs, China looms large. A policy based on fear, misconception or reliance on third-party sources should give way to one grounded in intimate knowledge and constant, multifaceted engagement.