EP calls on France to declare China ambassador persona non grata over Crimea remark

About 80 members of the European Parliament are calling to declare the Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye persona non grata for his words about Crimea and the illegitimate status of sovereignty of the former Soviet republics.

This was reported by the French publication Le Monde on Sunday, April 23, Ukrinform saw.

In a letter addressed to the French Foreign Ministry, signed by nearly 80 EU lawmakers, it is noted that "the ambassador's aggressive statements violate international law and pose a threat to the security of France's European partner countries."

"China or any other country has no right to question the sovereignty of others. This is a deep insult to the history, culture, and fundamental integrity of the respective nations; the ambassador's remarks are aimed at undermining the fundamental principles on which the supposed diplomatic relations are based. Sovereignty is not a diplomatic toy, but a fundamental element of international relations, international law, and the Charter of the United Nations," the letter states.

The parliamentarians emphasize that at a time when the war is raging in Europe due to Russia's aggression against the territorial integrity of Ukraine, it is very important for the democratic world to send an unequivocal signal to authoritarian countries regarding protection of the allies’ sovereignty.

Earlier, the President’s Office in Ukraine reacted to Chinese ambassador’s statements that caused an international stir.