The so-called "threat of Chinese spies" only intends to smear China and undermine cooperation between China and Europe, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
Wang was requested to comment on media reports saying an assistant of a German politician was arrested on suspicion of spying for China in the European parliamentary elections in June. "We noted relevant reports and the media hype. But the truth is there for all to see. The so-called 'threat of Chinese spies' is not a new thing in Europe. Every time before or after China-Europe high-level interactions in recent years, there would be such a hype, with a clear intention of smearing and hitting China and souring the atmosphere of China-EU cooperation. Let me stress that China carries out cooperation with European and all other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and advances mutually beneficial cooperation with relevant parties in accordance with laws and regulations. We hope that relevant people in Germany will ditch the Cold War mentality and stop the political manipulation aimed at China with so-called 'spy risks'," said Wang.
China denounces so-called "threat of Chinese spies"
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris on Sunday for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, along with other French high-ranking officials, warmly received Xi at the Paris Orly Airport.
Xi noted in a written speech upon arrival that it is a great pleasure to begin his third state visit to the French Republic and celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France ties with French people.
Xi said as important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a long history of mutual appreciation and admiration.
He also noted that 60 years ago, the two countries broke through Cold War blocs and established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, and in the 60 years since, bilateral relations have always stayed abreast of China's relations with Western countries.
Xi pointed out that the development of China-France relations has not only brought benefits to the two peoples, but also injected stability and positive energy into the turbulent world.
The Chinese president said he will have in-depth exchange of views with his French counterpart on the development of China-France relations and China-EU relations under new circumstances, as well as current major international and regional issues.
Xi said he looks forward to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhancing political mutual trust, building strategic consensus and deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields with France.
Xi's entourage includes his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and foreign minister.
Xi was also greeted by Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye at the airport.
On its way to the hotel, Xi's motorcade received a warm welcome by the local Chinese community, with people waving Chinese and French flags and holding banners hailing China-France friendship.
Xi arrives in Paris for state visit to France
