German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator” during televised statements.
These remarks came during an interview with an American media network where she discussed Ukraine’s victory and NATO, as reported by “Politicallore.”
Baerbock faced criticism on “Twitter” for her comments regarding the Chinese President, with one individual stating, “This is a lesson on how to ruin your country’s relationship with China, what a foolish woman.”
It’s worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden previously referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator” in June of this year during a fundraising event in California.
This occurred just one day after his Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, met with the Chinese President during a visit to China aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations.
In April of this year, China considered Baerbock’s statement regarding Taiwan as irresponsible. She had warned of a “terrifying scenario” in the event of military escalation in the Taiwan Strait, following China’s military exercises near the island.
In response to her statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that “no foreign country has the right to interfere in Taiwan’s affairs, or expect China to compromise on safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to the state-run newspaper “Global Times.”
China remains Germany’s most important trading partner. In July of this year, German authorities published a strategy towards China that calls for a “change of approach” in dealing with Beijing and setting new standards for cooperation.