China Backtracks Envoy’s Remarks Denying Sovereignty of ex-Soviet States After European Backlash

China Backtracks Envoy’s Remarks Denying Sovereignty of ex-Soviet States After European Backlash
Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye meets with media at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ottawa on Jan. 17, 2019. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Aldgra Fredly
Updated:
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China has disavowed remarks made by its envoy to France that questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet member states after triggering a backlash from European leaders.

China’s embassy in Paris said Tuesday that ambassador Lu Shaye’s comments on Ukraine were “not a statement of policy, but a personal expression of opinion” that should not be over-interpreted by any parties.