Maritime security analyst Ray Powell has raised concerns that China is allegedly using media and educational institutions to influence public sentiment in the Philippines.
Powell cited investigations into the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, which he said has conducted covert operations overseas, including in the country.
He pointed to the promotion of “patriotism” in Chinese schools and referenced a “blood transfusion plan” reportedly implemented through the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center in 1991.
Powell also noted that the Chinese Embassy in Manila had previously convened representatives from eight Mandarin-language media outlets.
“Telling them to cooperate closely with the embassy and ‘carry forward patriotism and love for the whole.’ He was not talking about the Philippines,” Powell said.
According to the analyst, some initiatives allegedly encourage Filipino students to portray Japan as an adversary and to write about the “spirit of joint resistance.”
He added that experts are studying what are known as Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) operations, although researchers investigating such activities often encounter harassment and attacks allegedly linked to China.
As of writing, Malacañang Palace, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Chinese Embassy have yet to release official statements regarding the issue.