China lodges representations on Germany’s groundless accusations of "Chinese spies": spokesman

China has lodged serious representations on Germany's groundless accusations of "Chinese spies," urging the German side to stop malicious hyping, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

The spokesman made the remarks in response to the German ambassador to China Patricia Hildegard Flor's claim that she was summoned to the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing on Thursday after Germany arrested four people accused of spying for Chinese intelligence services.

"The so-called 'case of Chinese spies' is completely fabricated. The Chinese side has made solemn representations with the German side over the groundless accusations. We would like to stress once again that China firmly opposes the slander against China. We demand the German side to remain vigilant against attempts to damage bilateral relations, strengthen constraints, immediately stop malicious hyping and anti-China political farce, and earnestly safeguard the steady and healthy development of bilateral relations," Wang said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a welcome ceremony held by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Les Invalides in Paris on Monday.

Upon their arrival, President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by President Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron.

After the Chinese and French national anthems were played, Xi and Macron reviewed the French Republican Guard and Guard of Honor.

After the ceremony, Xi and Peng left for the Elysee Palace, escorted by a 148-member mounted squadron and the motorcycle squadron of the French Republican Guard.

Xi is on a state visit to France at the invitation of Macron.