China envoy's dismissal of post-Soviet nations draws EU ire

Comments made by the Chinese ambassador to France questioning the sovereignty of post-Soviet countries were "unacceptable," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Sunday.

Borrell added that he hoped the comments did not reflect Beijing's official stance.

"Unacceptable remarks of the Chinese ambassador to France," Borrell tweeted.

"The EU can only suppose these declarations do not represent China’s official policy."

His was the latest sign of indignation in Europe over remarks the Chinese envoy made to French television on Friday.

Ambassador Lu Shaye suggested countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union "don't have effective status under international law because there is not an international agreement confirming their status as sovereign nations".

Ukraine and other independent post-Soviet nations -- including EU members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- have condemned Lu's remarks.

The French foreign ministry registered its "consternation" over the comments, and said it is up to the Chinese government to confirm whether they reflect its position.

China has emphasised its relationship with Russia even as it seeks to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine war. Beijing is being courted by Paris and Washington to play a more active role in nudging Moscow towards peace.