MANILA— The Chinese Embassy in Manila has rejected what it described as “malicious smear campaigns” against educational and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Philippines, including Chinese-language education in the country.

In remarks issued by Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, the embassy responded to reports that Chinese-language teachers working in the Philippines had left the country and returned to China amid what was described as a hostile atmosphere and concerns over their personal safety.

The embassy attributed the alleged situation to repeated criticism of China-Philippines educational exchanges and Chinese-language education by retired US Air Force Colonel Ray Powell and his Sealight program, as well as Philippine Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro.

“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 said educational and people-to-people exchanges have contributed to relations between the two countries by promoting friendship and mutual understanding.

It also highlighted the role of Chinese-language teachers from China who have worked in the Philippines over the years.

“For decades, Chinese-language teachers coming from China to the Philippines have helped the Filipino people understand the language and Chinese culture, serving as a bridge between China and the Philippines,” Ji said.

The Chinese Embassy said it believed criticism directed at China-Philippines people-to-people exchanges by unnamed individuals should not have a place 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 time-honored friendship between the Chinese and Filipino peoples will continue to stand,” Ji said.

The embassy also called on the Philippine government to protect Chinese nationals in the country.

“In the meantime we urge the Philippine side to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in the Philippines are safeguarded,” Ji said.