China Slams Philippine Concerns Over Education Influence as 'Political Provocation'

BEIJING — China accused the Philippines of an “extremely serious political provocation” on Tuesday after Manila raised concerns about the potential influence of Chinese state-linked institutions on local education through cultural exchange programs. Tensions between the two countries have grown over repeated maritime disputes and confrontations in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely despite overlapping claims by regional countries. The Philippine Defense department last week defended the need for oversight of foreign state-backed academic and cultural exchange programs, pointing to Beijing’s national security law that requires cooperation with state intelligence agencies. Manila’s statement was “filled with lies and malicious attacks,” China’s foreign ministry said in a reply to Reuters questions. The ministry also accused a small group of people of “recklessly” undermining China-Philippines relations without identifying them. “A small group of anti-China forces in the Philippines, seeking political gain and attempting to cover up their country’s maritime violations, are resorting to political manipulation and media distortion,” it said. — Reuters