China downplays tension after German foreign minister cancels Beijing trip

China urged Germany on Monday to take a long-term view of ties between the world's second and third largest economies, seeking to downplay suggestions of rising tension after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed his first trip to Beijing.



Wadephul was originally due in the Chinese capital from Sunday on the first visit by a minister of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, but opted not to travel after only one of his requested meetings was confirmed, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.



That prompted a senior German parliamentarian to accuse China of having provoked the cancellation from a fear of debate.



"China has always viewed and developed its ties with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective," said Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson of China's foreign ministry.



"The two sides should respect each other, treat each other as equals and cooperate for win-win results to propel bilateral ties along the right track," Guo told a press conference on Monday.



The "current circumstances" provided further reason for both countries to seek common cause, he added, but gave no details.