China and Philippines Clash Over Foreign Influence Concerns and Ethnic Unity Law

China and Philippines Clash Over Foreign Influence Concerns and Ethnic Unity Law

August 5, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

China has rejected criticism from the Philippines over concerns about foreign-linked cultural and academic exchange programmes, accusing Manila of spreading misinformation and interfering in China's internal affairs. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday that a recent statement by the Philippines' Department of National Defense was a "political provocation" and an attempt by anti-China forces to damage bilateral relations.

The Philippine defence department had said it was concerned about potential risks linked to foreign legal frameworks and cited China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law as an example of legislation it believed could have implications beyond China's borders. Lin defended the law, saying it protects the rights and interests of ethnic groups in China and provides a legal foundation for promoting ethnic unity.

The exchange adds to existing tensions between Beijing and Manila, which have been strained by disputes in the South China Sea and disagreements over security issues. Lin accused some Philippine actors of using political and public opinion campaigns to undermine China-Philippines relations, warning that continued criticism would have consequences.

Separately, China said it had sent a third medical expert team to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak. The team, which arrived in Kinshasa on August 1, includes specialists in epidemiology, health quarantine, clinical treatment and pathogen laboratory testing, according to the foreign ministry. Beijing said the experts would work with Congolese authorities and international organisations to support disease prevention and control efforts as the outbreak continues. China has deployed medical teams to African countries during previous public health emergencies and said it would continue providing support to help contain the spread of Ebola.

Source: FSX Business News