London- A German student who hurled a shoe at Chinese premier Wen Jiabao during his recent visit to Cambridge University in Britain pleaded not guilty to the charge of committing a public order offence Tuesday.

Martin Jahnke, a 27-year-old graduate student at the university's pathology department, appeared at Cambridge Magistrate's Court Tuesday before being released on bail. His trial date has been set for March 10.

Jahnke was arrested on February 2 for throwing a shoe at Wen, who was giving a lecture to students. The missile missed the Chinese leader by about a metre.

China's foreign ministry Monday urged Cambridge University to expel Jahnke. "Education is the best help for a young student," a statement released via the Chinese embassy in London said. (dpa)