The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) protested China's travel warning urging Chinese students considering enrolling in Philippine schools to exercise caution due to ''unstable'' security situation.

In a statement on Sunday, the DFA said the travel bulletin issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education on July 18 "mischaracterizes the situation in the Philippines."

"The Department has conveyed its concerns regarding the inaccuracies in the advisory issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education through diplomatic channels. It is hoped that the Chinese side will undertake the necessary corrections," the DFA said.

The Chinese advisory warned that the "security situation in the Philippines has been unstable recently, with a surge in crimes targeting Chinese nationals."

It added: "Incidents involving local law enforcement harassing and inspecting Chinese nationals and enterprises have occurred frequently."

Chinese students should "carefully assess safety risks and to strengthen their awareness and precautions when considering pursuing study in the Philippines," the advisory said.

It was not clear how many Chinese nationals are enrolled in Philippine schools.

The DFA said "all instances of crimes, including those involving Chinese and other foreign nationals as well as those perpetrated by foreign nationals against their own, are being addressed by relevant law enforcement authorities."

Philippine officials are closely in touch with foreign embassies, "including the Chinese Embassy, regarding these cases in good faith," it said.

"The Philippines remains committed to constructively discussing matters of mutual concern?with China," the DFA said. DMS