Controversy Erupts as Xi Jinping Accused of Dictatorship by Another Country – China Reacts Sharply!

China has criticized Germany after its foreign minister referred to Xi Jinping as a "dictator" and called for Berlin's ambassador to be reprimanded. This incident exacerbates the ongoing tensions between a western democratic nation and China regarding the portrayal of the Chinese leader internationally. In a recent interview with Fox News while visiting the United States, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made these comments.

Regarding Russia's conflict with Ukraine, she posed the question: "If Putin triumphs in this war, what kind of message would that convey to other autocratic leaders around the globe, such as Xi, the Chinese president?"

On Monday, the German foreign ministry spokesperson informed CNN that the Chinese government had summoned Patricia Flor, the German ambassador to China, to express their objections towards Baerbock's remarks.

The comments made by Baerbock have sparked strong dissatisfaction from China's Foreign Ministry, who firmly opposes them. Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, described Germany's remarks as extremely absurd, a severe violation of China's political dignity, and an outright political provocation.

The official transcript posted later on the ministry's website does not include the discussion on Baerbock's remarks and Mao's response.

Sensitive content is frequently excluded by the Chinese Foreign Ministry from the transcripts of its regular briefings.

China has demonstrated previous instances of sensitivity towards how foreign leaders address Xi, who is the country's most assertive leader in recent history, having consolidated power and currently serving an extraordinary third five-year term. An example of this occurred in June when US President Joe Biden drew controversy by labeling Xi as a "dictator," eliciting a strong backlash from Beijing.

China's Foreign Ministry objected strongly to Biden's remarks, stating that they not only contradict factual information but also violate diplomatic protocols. Back in 2000, Xi's predecessor, Jiang Zemin, engaged in a heated confrontation with American journalist Mike Wallace on CBS "60 Minutes," objecting vehemently to being labeled a "dictator."

"You're suggesting that I'm a dictator?" Jiang responded in English, seemingly taken aback. He burst into laughter and dismissed the characterization as "a significant error."

"To be completely honest, I strongly disagree with your assertion that I'm a dictator," he stated. "Your depiction of China's reality is just as fantastical as the tales from Arabian Nights."

Jiang, who passed away at the age of 96 last year, is widely remembered by the Chinese as a representation of a bygone era in which China was perceived to be more liberated and less driven by ideology under a governance system known as "collective leadership". This arrangement, introduced by paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, aimed to establish stability following the turbulent dictatorship of Chairman Mao Zedong.

Since coming to power a decade ago, however, Xi has dismantled that model and moved back towards something much more closely resembling one-man rule.

Delicate relationship

Berlin's intricate and tender connection with China, its primary economic ally, has incited contemplation and discussion within Germany, especially following Russia's incursion into Ukraine. The conflict revealed Germany's heavy reliance on Russian gas, prompting critics of Germany's foreign policy to highlight analogous vulnerabilities in its association with China.

Beijing's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, its increasing alliance with Moscow, and its military actions towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea have strained relations and caused concern across European capitals. This has led to a hardening of attitudes towards China. Germany, on the other hand, has attempted to improve relations with Beijing while simultaneously aiming to lessen its economic reliance on China.

On January 28, 2023, in Qingdao, Shandong Province of China, FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd, a joint venture between FAW Group and Volkswagen Group, carries out the assembly of car bodies at its Qingdao branch.

VCG/Visual China Group/Getty Images

'China has changed.' Germany unveils strategy to cut reliance on world's no. 2 economy

In a highly anticipated strategy paper released in July, China was recognized as both a partner, competitor, and systemic rival. Additionally, it was announced that there would be a decrease in reliance on China in key sectors such as medicine, lithium batteries for electric vehicles, and crucial components for chip manufacturing. The paper acknowledged that China has undergone transformations and political decisions, thereby necessitating a shift in approach towards the country.

Germany's present government comprises a coalition of centre-left parties, triggering Angela Merkel's departure in late 2021 following her 16-year tenure as the leader of Europe's biggest economy. Hailing from Germany's Greens party, the foreign minister, Baerbock, advocates for a more assertive approach towards China, particularly concerning human rights and Taiwan – a self-governing democracy contested by Beijing.

In August, she addressed an Australian think-tank, expressing concerns about how China's actions challenge the core principles of global coexistence.

Her statement received sharp criticism from China's state-run Global Times, accusing her of defaming China and exhibiting ingrained bias towards the country.

During her visit to Beijing in April, Baerbock firmly stated that China's attempt to exert control over Taiwan would not be tolerated. Furthermore, she emphasized that Beijing's role was shifting from being solely a trade partner and competitor to becoming a systemic rival.

In retrospect, Baerbock found certain aspects of her trip to China to be truly alarming and expressed her growing concern over Beijing's evolving status, now functioning predominantly as a systemic rival rather than a trade partner.