China calls U.S. designation of Confucius Institute centers a “vilification” and says educational ties should not be disrupted

China on Monday rejected Washington’s designation of Confucius Institute Cultural Centers as a threat to U.S. national security, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun calling the decision “vilification.” Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Guo said educational exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States build mutual understanding, benefit both sides and should not be disrupted or held back.

The U.S. State Department and Pentagon added the Chinese cultural centers at American universities and campuses to Washington’s list of national security threats last week. In a social media video, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth alleged that the institutes operated under cover and under new names at multiple universities, with the aim of stealing intellectual property and infiltrating the minds of American students.

Beijing describes the programs as mutually beneficial, while U.S. officials maintain that the centers pose significant security risks to the country.

Named after the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, the institutes serve as China’s public educational and cultural promotion programs.