China denounces German FM Annalena Baerbock's remarks in support of Taiwan

China on Wednesday denounced German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's remarks in support of Taiwan, saying her words lacked "common sense" and were "not in line with the facts."

At a United Nations conference on Tuesday, Baerbock warned China against escalating tensions with Taiwan over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit and expressed support for the island democracy.

Germany would "not accept when international law is broken and a larger neighbour attacks its smaller neighbour in violation of international law - and that of course also applies to China," she said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying expressed Beijing's opposition to "these wrong remarks" made by Baerbock, adding that "the historical context and legal basis of the Taiwan issue are clear cut and no individual or force can deny it."

Pelosi's visit has ratcheted up tension between China and the United States because Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and it views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island's sovereignty.

But after weeks of threatening rhetoric, China showed the spirit but stopped short of any direct military confrontation with the US.

Instead, it opted for military drills as a show of force, sending fighter jets into the air and scrambling crews on navy ships in simulated emergencies after Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday night.

The failure to stop Pelosi from visiting Taiwan disappointed some Chinese who had been riled up by the government's tough words ahead of her trip.

Asked about Chinese internet users who expressed frustration online about the government's response to Pelosi' visit, Hua said Chinese people were "rational and patriotic."

"We have full confidence in our country and our government to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.