The Embassy took note of a news report by Christophe Lamfalussy in La Libre on July 2nd quoting some related report and listing Chinese overseas students alongside religious extremists and far right radicals as the three major threats posed to Belgian security without providing any solid evidence, where innocuous Chinese students are labeled as “spies” and “threats”. It is irresponsible to attract readers at the expense of the reputation of Chinese overseas students. Such reports will also mislead the Belgian public. The Embassy expresses indignation and firm opposition.

Education cooperation and exchanges have enjoyed sound growth between China and Belgium over recent years thanks to our joint efforts, bringing great benefits to both sides. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, over 3000 Chinese students study in Belgium either for a degree or for scholarly visits, among whom only a very small minority are from Chinese military academies. All of them follow regular and legal procedures in visa application, and Belgian education institutes have also conducted due diligence in background checks. It is untenable argument to smear normal education exchanges between China and Belgium based on the small number of students from Chinese military institutes.

People-to-people exchanges are important ways to enhance mutual understanding and the bond of friendship between Chinese and Belgian people as well as the two countries. China-Belgium education exchanges conform to the overall trend of growing bilateral ties and exchanges between the two sides. If such untrue remarks are given free rein, friendly relations between the two countries will be at stake. We hope that Belgian people across the society could see through the nature of such reports and be aware of the damages they may incur. We look to clear-eyed and fair-minded people that care about China-Belgium education cooperation stepping forward and speaking up against such false accusations.

Lies remain lies even if repeated a hundred times. Attempts to hype up China threat theory through false accusations for achieving ulterior motives have the support of no one and are doomed to failure. It is hoped related media and journalist will respect the truth, discard prejudice, and stop doing things detrimental to China-Belgium all-around partnership of friendly cooperation.