Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded this way, after learning of the report of the special committee of the House of Representatives, which accused Beijing of using academic ties with U.S. universities for defense purposes and proposed restrictions on joint programs.

“That body attacks and defames China for political motives and lacks credibility,” the spokesman said.

He noted that Beijing has already made representations to Washington in protest of those statements and stressed that educational exchange serves the common interests of the two peoples.

Guo said some U.S. politicians abuse the concept of national security to interfere in cultural and educational cooperation, which he called an attempt destined to fail.

“We urge the U.S. side to fulfill the commitment expressed by President Donald Trump to welcome Chinese students, and stop harming the interests of both sides and the bilateral relationship,” he stressed. The spokesman added that China will closely monitor Washington’s actions and take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.

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