China using schools, media to sway public sentiment — maritime expert

A maritime security expert warned on Saturday that China is allegedly using media and educational institutions to influence public sentiment in the Philippines.

According to a 24 Oras Weekend report by Vonne Aquino on Saturday, analyst Ray Powell cited investigations into the activities of the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, which he said has been operating covertly overseas, including in the Philippines.

Powell said the Chinese Communist Party has been promoting “patriotism” in Chinese schools and referenced a “blood transfusion plan” reportedly implemented through the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center in 1991.

He also noted that the Chinese Embassy had previously convened representatives of eight Mandarin-language media outlets in Manila.

“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.

He added that some initiatives allegedly encourage Filipino students to portray Japan as an enemy and write about the “spirit of joint resistance.”

Powell said analysts are studying what are known as Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) operations, but noted that researchers often face harassment and attacks linked to China.

GMA News has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy, as well as the Departments of Education and Health, and Malacañang on the matter.—Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News