BERLIN — One of the most powerful people in Brussels, Günther Oettinger, has come under fire for reportedly referring to Chinese people as “slit-eyes” and “sly dogs” in a speech to business leaders in Hamburg.

Leaders in Berlin and Brussels sought on Monday to tamp down the uproar after Mr. Oettinger broke his silence over the weekend to explain the comments. Although the comments about Chinese people were not captured on video, he has not denied multiple reports that he made them.

In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, published on Sunday, Mr. Oettinger, who was appointed by Germany to the European Commission, said his comments were intended to rattle his German audience out of a sense of complacency. But to some observers, Mr. Oettinger only dug himself into a deeper hole.

Die Welt said to Mr. Oettinger, “You spoke of ‘slit-eyes.’ ”

Mr. Oettinger responded, “It was a rather crude expression that was in no way meant to be disrespectful to the Chinese.”