The Chinese ambassador to France stated in a televised interview that the countries of the former Soviet Union “have no active status in international law.” The diplomat’s words were criticized by the authorities of the Baltic states: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Lu Shaye, ambassador China in France, in an interview with LCI television on Friday, he was asked about his position on the annexed Crimea. The diplomat replied: “depends on how you look at the issue” and that “it’s not that simple”. He added that the peninsula “initially was Russian.” The journalist noted that according to international law, Crimea belongs to Ukraine.
“According to international law, even the countries of the former USSR do not have an active status, because there is no international agreement that would confirm their status as sovereign states,” said the ambassador.
“Chinese ambassador’s remarks unacceptable”
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis wrote on Twitter: “If anyone is still wondering why the Baltic states do not trust China (for) ‘peace negotiations in Ukraine’ then please (watch) the Chinese ambassador who claims that Crimea is Russian and our countries’ borders have no borders legal basis”.
“The comments of the Chinese ambassador to France regarding international law and the sovereignty of nations are completely unacceptable. We expect explanations from the Chinese side and a complete withdrawal from this statement,” said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkeviczs.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tallinn, Margus Tsahkna, announced that his ministry was planning to summon a representative of the Chinese diplomatic mission. He condemned the statement of the Chinese ambassador to France and assessed that such a position was incomprehensible. China is currently represented in Estonia by the charge d’affaires.
The statement of the Chinese diplomat also provoked the reaction of Ukraine’s ambassador to France, Vadym Omelchenko, who said that Lu had “problems with geography” or his words contradicted the official position of China, assuming “efforts to restore peace in Ukraine based on international law and goals and principles of the United Nations Charter
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