China has called "irresponsible" and "unreasonable" statements by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who said Beijing's lending activities are leaving developing countries "trapped in debt".

The Chinese government said the world's debt problems had worsened due to Washington's interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve, which Beijing called an "unprecedented rate".

"We do not accept unreasonable accusations. "The US should take practical actions to help developing countries, instead of pointing fingers at other countries and making irresponsible comments," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said.

In an address to US congressmen, Yellen said she was "very concerned about some of China's activities globally" and that the country was engaging in countries "in a way that leaves them trapped in debt and does not promote economic development".

She added that Washington is working hard to counter China's influence in international institutions and lending to developing countries.