China slams Germany for 'hyping' regional tensions in Asia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at the regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

BEIJING (AFP): China lashed out at Germany on Monday (Aug 18), warning Berlin against "inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions" after its foreign minister said Beijing was "increasingly aggressive" in the Asia-Pacific region.

During a visit to Japan, Johann Wadephul said China had made repeated threats to "unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favour", citing its behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas.