China hits back at the criticism of ramping up bailout loans to 'Belt and Road' countries from a report, accusing "some people" of "hyping up so-called Chinese 'debt traps' and opaque loans, and slinging mud at China, something that we absolutely do not accept".

"China... has never forced any party to borrow money, has never forced any country to pay, will not attach any political conditions to loan agreements, and does not seek any political self-interest," says the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.