Russia's war in Ukraine
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a daily briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, China, on April 24. (Andy Wong/AP)
China respects the sovereign state status of ex-Soviet Union countries, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday.
Mao’s remarks come after the Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye sparked controversy after saying during a TV interview that former Soviet countries, including the Baltic states, don't have "effective status in international law."
“After the Soviet Union dissolved, China was the one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the countries concerned. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties with these countries, China has always adhered to the principles of mutual request and equality in its development of amicable and cooperative bilateral relations,” Mao said in a press briefing Monday.
Mao added that what she said represents the official views of the Chinese government. She did not directly address questions on Lu’s views.
China respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and upholds the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, Mao added.
Key context: China has so far refused to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or call for a withdrawal of its troops, instead urging restraint by “all parties” and accusing NATO of fueling the conflict. It has also continued to deepen diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow.
Lu made the remarks in response to a question regarding whether Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, was part of Ukraine.
The remarks appeared to disavow the sovereignty of countries that became independent states and United Nations members after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Officials from Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, France and the European Union all hit back against the comments, demanding answers from Beijing.
Source: CNN
