China has accused the Philippines of a "serious political provocation" after Manila raised concerns about the involvement of Chinese state-linked institutions in its education programmes.
The dispute comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over repeated confrontations in the South China Sea, where China claims sovereignty over most of the waters despite competing claims from several countries in the region.
The Philippine Department of National Defense last week raised concerns about foreign state-backed academic and cultural exchange programmes, citing Chinese laws that require organisations to co-operate with state intelligence agencies.
China's Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations, describing the Philippine statement as being "filled with lies and malicious attacks".
It accused what it called a small group of "anti-China forces" in the Philippines of trying to damage bilateral relations for political purposes.
"Some people are recklessly hijacking and undermining China-Philippines relations," the ministry said in response to questions from Reuters.
It also accused the Philippines of using political manipulation and media reports to distract from what Beijing described as Manila's "maritime violations".
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent years, with Chinese and Philippine vessels repeatedly facing off in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
In June, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described China as "wicked". Beijing responded by accusing him of staging a political stunt for his own interests.
Concerns over China's influence in the Philippines have also extended beyond maritime disputes.
Last year, a former Philippine mayor who was identified as a Chinese national was convicted of human trafficking. Authorities had previously investigated alleged links between the former mayor and criminal syndicates.
The case has fuelled wider concerns in the Philippines about Chinese influence and national security, although Beijing has rejected accusations of wrongdoing. Photo by Patrickroque01 at English Wikipedia
