China’s ambassador in Paris, Lu Shaye, has caused controversy by questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries like Ukraine. In an interview aired on French television, Lu was asked about his position on whether Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. He responded by saying that historically it was part of Russia and had been offered to Ukraine by former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. France, Ukraine, and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania expressed dismay at the comments.
France responded by stating its “full solidarity” with all the allied countries affected, which it said had acquired their independence “after decades of oppression”. The spokesperson added that China will have to clarify whether these comments reflect its position or not. The three Baltic states and Ukraine, all formerly part of the Soviet Union, reacted along the same lines as France.
“It is strange to hear an absurd version of the ‘history of Crimea’ from a representative of a country that is scrupulous about its thousand-year history,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior Ukrainian presidential aide, in response to Lu’s comments. “If you want to be a major political player, do not parrot the propaganda of Russian outsiders.”
Lu’s comments have caused concern among some foreign governments who fear China’s growing influence on the world stage. They argue that China’s position on sovereignty could set a dangerous precedent for other countries with territorial disputes.
