Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged his German counterpart Johann Wadephul to refrain from “megaphone diplomacy” or making what he described as unfounded accusations that contradict the facts, but welcomed him to visit China.

“China and Germany have different histories, cultures and social systems, so differences are unavoidable,” Wang Yi said in a phone conversation on Monday, according to a Chinese foreign ministry account.

“Both sides should adhere to communication and dialogue … but should not engage in ‘megaphone diplomacy’ or make groundless accusations that contradict the facts.”

The phone call came a week after Wadephul postponed his first trip to China, saying that Beijing had confirmed only one of his requested meetings.

In their latest conversation, Wang also welcomed his counterpart to visit China “at a suitable time”.

“China and Germany need to establish a more stable and sustainable policy framework to ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track,” Wang said, according to the ministry statement.