ISTANBUL

China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang will pay official trips to three European nations, Beijing announced on Monday.

Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said in a statement that Qin will pay a visit to Germany, France, and Norway from today.

“At the invitation of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will pay a visit to Germany, France, and Norway from May 8 to 12,” said Wang.

Qin's visit to Germany comes against the backdrop of Baerbock's trip to Beijing last month, following which the German foreign minister sharply criticized China, arguing that China is pursuing an “aggressive” foreign policy, and taking “repressive” actions at home.

Addressing lawmakers in the parliament, three days after her visit to Beijing, Baerbock said that while China remains Germany's biggest trading partner, it is also a competitor and a systemic rival of the Western democracies.

“Unfortunately, my impression was that the aspect of systemic rivalry is increasing more and more. Not only because China is acting more offensive and aggressive abroad, but also becoming more repressive at home,” she said.

Baerbock disclosed that during her two-day China visit, she did not use her mobile phones, and had to keep them locked in a small suitcase, due to security concerns.