The Embassy of China in Belgium took note of news articles published by some Belgian media accusing China of engaging in so-called “bio-espionage” through economic and scientific cooperation. The far-fetched coverage lacks factual basis and amounts to nothing but guesswork. The Embassy expresses indignation at such reports, which only serves to mislead the public. Stories propagating threat from “Chinese espionage” have lost all credibility as the topic is tirelessly pursued to clickbait readers. They have turned out to be fictitious without fail, never getting validation from the entities or individuals mentioned in the news reports.

China and Belgium have developed friendly relations with each other on the basis of mutual respect, equality and shared benefits since commencement of our diplomatic relations near half a century ago. China has always been a partner of Belgium, not an enemy nor a threat. As part of the bilateral ties, China-Belgium scientific cooperation has always followed the same principle of mutual benefits. The two governments have signed science and technology cooperation agreements, and established such mechanisms as China-Belgium Innovation Dialogue and China-Belgium Joint-Committee for S&T Cooperation to promote scientific cooperation between the two sides. All projects, including the China-Belgium Technology Center (CBTC) are carried out in an open and transparent way, and in accordance with the laws and regulations of the two countries, bringing tangible benefits to our people. Groundless espionage vilification against China is unfair and goes against the wishes of the Chinese and Belgian people. Scientific cooperation between China and Belgium goes in both directions. China is open to scientific partnerships and exchanges with Belgium. Belgian companies including high-tech firms joined the trade mission led by Princess Astrid to China last November and signed agreements with Chinese partners. Many Belgian and European research institutes and enterprises carry out R&D and production in China. Do the journalists that penned news reports accusing China of espionage also question Belgian entities’ operations in China?

International scientific cooperation is intrinsic to the progress of human society. It is an indispensable part of the global fight against COVID-19. As the two countries fight the outbreak shoulder-to-shoulder, such ridiculous accusations as “bio-espionage” stigmatizes rightful scientific cooperation and falls out of place with the broader picture of China-Belgium joining hands in the face of COVID-19. Just as one only sees greyish colors when wearing sunglasses, it is hope that the related media and journalists would remove their tainted glasses and reject prejudices when looking at China, and stop publishing irresponsible remarks.