Chinese Embassy rejects 'smear campaign' over teacher exodus

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The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Sunday rejected what it called “malicious smear campaigns” claiming that Chinese-language teachers in the Philippines were returning to China due to safety concerns.

In an online statement, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng addressed queries about alleged attacks on educational exchanges and reports that Chinese-language teachers were leaving the country because of a hostile environment.

“We firmly reject the baseless accusations and strongly denounce the malicious smear campaigns targeting educational and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Philippines, including Chinese-language education in the Philippines,” Ji said.

The embassy called on the Philippines to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the country are protected.

Ji said cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries had played an important role in fostering mutual understanding, adding that Chinese-language teachers had helped promote Chinese culture in the Philippines.

“We believe those malicious rhetoric and actions against China-Philippines people-to-people exchanges by certain individuals have no place in the Philippines, and the time-honored friendship between the Chinese and Filipino peoples will continue to stand,” Ji said.

The statement came amid criticism of Chinese-language education programs from retired US Air Force Colonel Ray Powell of the SeaLight project and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.— MCG, GMA News

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