Marilyn Cahatol

Defense chief urges scrutiny of foreign academic, cultural exchange programs

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17853034570601785303453968.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. delivers a speech during the fifth plenary session at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on June 1, 2025.<em> MOHD RASFAN, AFP/File </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday called for greater scrutiny of foreign academic and cultural exchange programs after an investigation linked Jinan University in Guangdong to the training of Chinese-language teachers in the Philippines.</p><p>Teodoro made the remarks in response to a SeaLight investigation that identified Jinan University as the largest training destination for Chinese-language teachers working in Chinese-Filipino schools in the country.</p><p>The SeaLight Foundation is a maritime transparency initiative group that documents and studies Beijing’s activities at sea and in the information space.</p><p>Scholars from Jinan University had previously <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/9/china-symposium-sparks-concern-over-reported-batanes-claim-1617">claimed that Batanes belongs to China.</a></p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/10/-labag-sa-normal-na-pag-iisip-teodoro-wants-strong-pushback-vs-chinese-s-batanes-claim-1637">‘Labag sa normal na pag-iisip’: Teodoro wants strong pushback vs. Chinese scholars&#x27; Batanes claim</a></div><p>The report alleged that the university is part of a broader network connected to the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front system involved in Chinese-language teacher training, language testing, curriculum development, internships, and job placement in the Philippines.</p><p>Teodoro said he wonders whether some academic exchange programs were being used for purposes beyond cultural cooperation since, he said, state-run Jinan University has been the source of &quot;fake news&quot;.</p><p>Teodoro speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, added: “Ito, malaking ebidensya na na itong mga eskwelahan ay ginagamit sa mali.&quot;</p><p>(This is huge evidence that the schools are being used for wrong.)</p><p>The defense chief said the findings highlight the need for closer scrutiny of foreign-linked educational programs down at all levels.</p><p>While emphasizing that he is not opposed to international academic cooperation, Teodoro said the Philippines should remain vigilant against possible foreign influence, and the spread of disinformation and misinformation.</p><p>“Sinasabi ko lang, kung makitungo tayo, dapat alam natin na baka may masamang pakay,” he said.</p><p>(All I&#x27;m saying is if we have relations, we need to know that there may be an ulterior motive.) </p><p>According to SeaLight, its investigation drew on Chinese state media reports, Chinese Embassy announcements, institutional records, and Manila’s Chinese-language press.</p><p>The report alleged that organizations linked to the CCP’s United Front system have become “primary brokers” between mainland Chinese institutions and the Philippines’ Chinese-language education system, with ambitions to expand their reach into mainstream classrooms.</p><p>Jinan University and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have yet to respond publicly to the allegations in the SeaLight investigation.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/24/china-again-uses-water-cannon-on-ph-vessels-1142">China again uses water cannon on PH vessels</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="960" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P7_VNj8k-mc?si=efy6wAvsuGbc8CzS" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday called for greater scrutiny of foreign academic and cultural exchange programs after an investigation linked Jinan University in Guangdong to the training of Chinese-language teachers in the Philippines.</p>

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday called for greater scrutiny of foreign academic and cultural exchange programs after an investigation linked Jinan University in Guangdong to the training of Chinese-language teachers in the Philippines.