Exclusive | Do they speak English in the Philippines? The key question that could scupper plans to import workers into China
Chinese rules that brand Filipinos as non-native English speakers threaten to undermine talks on relaxing restrictions on working on the mainland
Talks between China and the Philippines over whether more Filipinos will be allowed to seek employment in the mainland have been hindered by a row about whether such workers can be classified as native English speakers, according to a source familiar with the discussion.
The two nations signed 14 infrastructure and economic cooperation agreements on Wednesday as Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up his visit to Manila.
But there was little progress on the possibility of China opening its doors to Filipino workers.
The two countries have been discussing a visa regime that would allow Filipinos to work in major mainland cities.
“[The Philippines] wanted to send more English teachers instead of semi-skilled domestic workers. We are still discussing the matter,” said the source.
