The Chinese foreign ministry declared on Monday its respect for the sovereignty of former Soviet Union nations following controversial remarks by its ambassador to Paris, which incited backlash from European Union (EU) foreign ministers.
Ambassador Lu Shaye had questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states in an interview on French TV, prompting calls from EU ministers for Beijing to clarify its position. Lu, known as one of China's "wolf warrior" diplomats, stated that Crimea was historically part of Russia and had been given to Ukraine by former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. He further argued that ex-USSR nations lack "actual status in international law" due to the absence of international agreements legitimizing their sovereignty.
Several EU ministers, including Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, called Lu's remarks "totally unacceptable" and urged China to clarify the situation. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis announced that the three Baltic countries would summon Chinese representatives to formally request clarification on China's stance.
Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn referred to Lu's statements as a "blunder" and mentioned ongoing efforts to defuse the situation.
In response to questions about whether Lu's views reflected China's official stance, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China respects the sovereignty of former Soviet Union members following its collapse. Mao's comments appeared to distance Beijing from Lu's remarks and aimed to ease tensions with Brussels.
Mao highlighted that China has been "objective and impartial" concerning sovereignty issues.
A French official disclosed that the Chinese ambassador would have a "very firm" conversation with the French foreign ministry later on Monday. Lu has previously been summoned to the foreign ministry for his controversial statements on various issues.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the EU would "assess and recalibrate strategy towards China" during Monday's meeting and that Lu's comments would be part of the discussion. He emphasized the significance of China in the EU's foreign policy.
EU Council President Charles Michel revealed that EU leaders would deliberate on the bloc's approach to China and future relations with Beijing at their next summit in June.
