Ukraine war: Great outrage over statements by China’s ambassador in Paris

International

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in the defense alliance’s summit in July in Lithuania. However, it is considered very unlikely that this would pave the way for admission to NATO. The Ukraine demands this.

A truce is also in place now, almost 14 months after the start of the aggressive war of Russia against Ukraine, not in sight. Fierce fighting continues, particularly in eastern Ukraine.

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23. April

12:56 p.m .: Baltic states outraged by statements by China’s ambassador in Paris

Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye’s comments in France that ex-Soviet republics are not necessarily sovereign have caused outrage. A spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry said the statement was “dismayed”. China must now clarify whether the ambassador’s statement represents the Chinese position.

Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics shared on Saturday evening Twitter that he had summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy for Monday in Riga because of the “completely unacceptable” remark. This has also been agreed with Lithuania and Estonia. “We expect an explanation from the Chinese side and a complete retraction of this statement”he continued.

Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics finds clear words on the ambassador’s statementsBild: AP / Vadim Ghirda

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: “The Chinese diplomat’s statements are incomprehensible and we condemn such statements to an independent and sovereign country.” His Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis also reacted to the statements. On Twitter he wrote:

Older news for war in Ukraine you can find here.

(With material from dpa and AFP)