France and the Baltic states are dismayed after a Chinese envoy questioned Ukraine’s sovereignty

PARIS (Reuters) – France and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania expressed their displeasure after China’s ambassador in Paris questioned the sovereignty of former Soviet states such as Ukraine.

Asked about his position on whether or not Crimea is part of Ukraine, Chinese Ambassador Lu Chaye said in an interview broadcast on French television on Friday that it was historically part of Russia and was offered to Ukraine by former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.

Shaya added that “the countries of the former Soviet Union have no actual status in international law because there is no international agreement to embody their sovereign status.”

France responded Sunday by showing its “full solidarity” with all affected Allied countries, which it said had gained their independence “after decades of oppression”.

“With regard to Ukraine specifically, it was recognized internationally within borders including Crimea in 1991 by the entire international community, including China,” said a State Department spokesperson.

The spokesperson added that China will have to clarify whether or not these comments reflect its position.

The three Baltic states, formerly part of the Soviet Union, reacted in similar fashion to France.

China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Cover) By John Irish and Ryan Wu, Writing by Juliette Jabkeru, Editing by Hugh Lawson

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