A blow to his efforts Beijing for her approach European Union were the recent statements of the Chinese ambassador in Paris, who questioned the sovereignty of the post-Soviet republics.

Although the Chinese side was quick to distance itself from Lu Sage’s comments, emphasizing that Beijing recognizes the sovereignty of the countries in question, the ambassador’s controversial statements came at a time when the EU was no longer interfering. is trying to formulate a new policy towards China, which its 27 leaders will discuss at the June summit.

Analysts say the remarks of Lu, one of China’s most prominent wolf warriors (diplomats known for their inflammatory rhetoric), threatened to undermine Xi Jinping’s efforts to portray Beijing as a peaceful force in Ukraine.

An obstacle to Beijing’s “flirting” with the EU

In recent months, the Chinese president has been diplomatically “flirting” with European countries, arranging meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Lu’s ​​comments and their time do not help the more general effort to divide the EU countries. from the United States, or the image of China as a neutral player (seeking) for peace in Ukraine,” says Austin Strange, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at the University of Hong Kong.

“On the question of the sovereignty of EU member states, this feeds politicians and parts of society who oppose better relations with China, and especially those who are irritated by China’s unwillingness to condemn Russia,” he adds.

Despite Beijing’s efforts to contain the damage, as the Chinese embassy in France said Lu expressed his personal opinion, the ambassador’s statements were on the agenda of talks between EU foreign ministers. about its new China policy.

Some argue that Lu’s background gives him more voice than other diplomats, as he previously served as vice mayor of Wuhan in 2014, an unusual position for a foreign ministry official, and was promoted to a high-ranking post by the Communist Party the following year. parties.

This freedom of expression is also reflected in Lu’s earlier provocative comments, such as his claims last year that foreign powers were using the massive protests erupting in China against Covid measures to their advantage.

Experts, however, are wondering if Lou has gone too far this time. Earlier in 2023, another Chinese “wolf warrior” and former foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Liyan, was transferred to an unnamed department without formally explaining the decision.

Parallel with Taiwan

But some analysts say that despite the backlash, Lu’s support is likely to remain strong.

The deeper meaning of his remarks has to do with China’s concerns about Taiwan, said Drew Thomson, a China expert at the National University of Singapore.

“The tone of his comments shows that he wanted to emphasize that Taiwan also lacks sovereignty and legitimacy under international law,” Thompson said.

“His approach, although nationalistic, remained clearly within the Beijing line, so it is likely that he will not suffer any consequences.”

Among those who expressed support for Lu was Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of the nationalist Chinese tabloid Global Times and a staunch supporter of a more assertive China.

Hu said that Western media’s characterization of Lu as a “wolf warrior” was “offensive”. In addition, Hu added, Lu was “very gracious” during the interview.

^{Source: Financial Times.}