Berlin - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier voiced concern Thursday at the arrest of leading Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and urged Beijing to respect human rights.

"I call on the Chinese government to continue its course of reform and opening up of China, and to guarantee that human rights are adhered to," he said in a statement.

"Critical opinions and the legal expression of concerns and interests of citizens are a basic ingredient of a society based on law and justice and democracy," he said.

The minister also said he was concerned that Chinese authorities had planned to charge Liu, 53, with subversion.

Chinese authorities have detained Liu at a secret location since arresting him in Beijing. He has reportedly been held incommunicado except for two meetings with his wife, Liu Xia. (dpa)