China has complained to Germany after its foreign minister referred to President Xi Jinping as a “dictator,” according to the Chinese foreign ministry, calling the title “absurd” and a “open political provocation.”

When asked about Russia’s war on Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made the remarks in a live interview with Fox News last week.

“What message would Putin’s victory send to other dictators around the world, such as Xi, the Chinese president?” She stated.

According to Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Baerbock’s remarks were “extremely absurd” and violated China’s political dignity.

“They are an open political provocation,” Mao said at a regular press conference, adding that China had lodged a complaint with Germany.

Baerbock is a vocal critic of China.

In August, she declared that China was a threat to the “fundamentals of how we live together in this world.” Previously, she described parts of her trip to China as “more than shocking,” and she said Beijing was increasingly becoming a systemic rival rather than a trade partner.

In June, US President Joe Biden also referred to Xi as a “dictator,” a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a visit to China aimed at improving relations.

Info source – Malay Mail