BEIJING - China's policy to welcome and attract foreign investment remains unchanged, a spokesperson said Monday, responding to concerns that foreign direct investment (FDI) by European companies is becoming more difficult in China.

In a guest column for the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel claimed China's investments and acquisitions in Germany were intended to acquire strategically important key technologies, while foreign direct investment (FDI) by European companies in China was being hampered.

"We have noticed relevant reports from German media," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua?Chunying?said, stressing that China and Europe are in different phases of economic development and use different management models.

Noting that the Chinese government had been consistently committed to opening up, Hua said the country's policy to welcome and attract foreign investment had not changed.

"China is willing to cultivate a fair and transparent investment environment for investors both at home and abroad, including those from Germany, " Hua said.

She added the Chinese enterprises were encouraged to invest overseas in line with market principles, local laws and international norms for mutual benefit.