China, U.S. educational exchange, cooperation benefit both sides: spokesperson

BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Educational exchange and cooperation between China and the United States are desired by both sides and benefit both sides, and should not be held back or disrupted, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular media briefing on Monday.

Last week, the U.S. side reportedly designated the Confucius Institutes on American universities and campuses as a threat to U.S. national security.

Guo said China rejects vilification and smears against Confucius Institute, noting that educational exchange and cooperation between China and the United States help enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

"They are desired by both sides and benefit both sides, and should not be held back or disrupted," said Guo.