Beijing calls in German envoy after Baerbock refers to Xi as dictator
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In her recent interview with the Fox News TV channel, Baerbock stated that a potential Russian success in the Ukraine conflict could serve as a signal for "other dictators in the world, like Xi."
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The German flag is seen next to the Chinese Flag. (AFP)
The Chinese Foreign Ministry requested a meeting with the German ambassador in response to remarks made by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, in which she referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator," as reported by the German magazine Spiegel on Monday, citing a spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry.
In her recent interview with the Fox News TV channel, Baerbock stated that a potential Russian success in the Ukraine conflict could serve as a signal for "other dictators in the world, like Xi."
Subsequently, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning characterized these remarks as "absolutely absurd" and deemed them an "open political provocation."
"The German ambassador to Beijing, Patricia Flor, was summoned to the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday," the representative was quoted as saying by Spiegel.
Read more: German FM admits differences, claims Europe united on China policy
Not new to Baerbock
This is not the first time the German official delivered highly provocative remarks.
On March 7, during a visit to Baghdad, Baerbock said that Iran is jeopardizing "stability" in the Middle East, claiming that "the Iranian regime shows with its missile attacks that it not only represses its own population with recklessness and brutality but is apparently prepared to jeopardize lives and stability in the entire region to maintain power."
A day after the statement was delivered, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani strongly condemned Baerbock's remarks and said they were aimed at disrupting Tehran-Baghdad ties.
Kanaani stated that the German foreign minister must apologize for her government's previous "shameful actions" toward the two nations rather than attempting to conceal the history of Germany's atrocities by making "baseless" charges against Iran.
Read more: EU runs the risk of relying on China for batteries: Reuters
Berlin's new China policy seeks to strike a delicate balance within its coalition government, describing Beijing as a "partner, competitor, systemic rival."
Baerbock, a member of the German Greens, has advocated for a tougher stance on China, with a stronger focus on liberal values, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat, has supported a more trade-friendly approach.
