By Samuel Osborne
Outspoken Guenther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society.
Speaking to businessmen in Hamburg last week, Guenther Oettinger used the term "Schlitzaugen" ("slit eyes") to describe visiting Chinese businessmen, Reuters reports.
He said the congregation consisted of "nine men, one party, and no democracy".
"All of them in suits, single-breasted, dark blue jackets," he added.
Speaking to businessmen in Hamburg last week, Guenther Oettinger used the term "Schlitzaugen" ("slit eyes") to describe visiting Chinese businessmen, Reuters reports.
He said the congregation consisted of "nine men, one party, and no democracy".
"All of them in suits, single-breasted, dark blue jackets," he added.
"All of them had their hair combed from left to right, with black shoe polish on their hair."
In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Mr Oettinger defended his comments. "You have to see the broader context in which I made my remarks. In my speech, I wanted to warn Germany of too much self-confidence."
Mr Oettinger has previously expressed doubts over whether the UK will leave the EU, saying he would not "place any major bets on Brexit".
Mr Oettinger accepted the Brexit referendum vote was "binding" but told German newspaper Bild: "It is possible that public opinion will tip if the economic situation in the wake of the Brexit vote worsens. In any case, I wouldn't place any major bets on Brexit."
In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Mr Oettinger defended his comments. "You have to see the broader context in which I made my remarks. In my speech, I wanted to warn Germany of too much self-confidence."
Mr Oettinger has previously expressed doubts over whether the UK will leave the EU, saying he would not "place any major bets on Brexit".
Mr Oettinger accepted the Brexit referendum vote was "binding" but told German newspaper Bild: "It is possible that public opinion will tip if the economic situation in the wake of the Brexit vote worsens. In any case, I wouldn't place any major bets on Brexit."
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