The Chinese government rejects allegations of espionage in connection with four arrests in Germany as „pure invention.“ China „resolutely opposes any smearing and slander,“ said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin in Beijing on Friday. He urged Germany to „be vigilant against attempts to harm bilateral relations.“ He added that China had already taken „serious steps“ because of Germany’s unfounded accusations. On Thursday, Germany’s ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, was summoned in response to the allegations.