The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) halted sending military officers to study at Chinese military schools, AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. announced on Wednesday, August 30.

The statement was made after his confirmation hearing at the Court of Appeals in response to Sen. Francis Tolentino's question.

According to Brawner, he ordered the suspension following the incident last August 5, in which the China Coast Guard (CCG) water bombed the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) resupply ship heading to Ayungin Shoal.

The general said the Military Exchange Program agreement between China and the Philippines also needs to be reviewed following the WPS dispute.

In 2004, the Military-to-Military Exchange Program between China and the Philippines was signed by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement.

Gen. Brawner mentioned that China recently had an invitation to send cadets to attend an international Cadet Conference, but they declined.

In Tolentino's record, 17 AFP officers studied in Chinese military schools.