TASS: Last Friday, Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye took an interview from a French media. On the ownership of Crimea, Mr. Ambassador said that it depends on how the problem is perceived. Crimea was historically part of Russia and had been offered to Ukraine by former Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev. What is China’s comment?
Mao Ning: China’s position on relevant issues remains unchanged.
As to issues related to territorial sovereignty, China’s position is consistent and clear. China respects all countries’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. After the Soviet Union dissolved, China was one of the first countries that established diplomatic ties with the countries concerned. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties with these countries, China has followed the principles of mutual respect and equality in developing friendly and cooperative bilateral relations with them. China respects the status of the former Soviet republics as sovereign countries after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.
As to the Ukraine issue, China’s position is clear and consistent. We will continue to work with the international community to make our own contribution to facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Some media have sought to misrepresent China’s position on the Ukraine issue and sow discord between China and the countries concerned. This calls for vigilance.
AFP: The Chinese Ambassador to France also claimed that the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics lacks solid basis in international law. Lithuania’s foreign minister said that the Ambassador’s remarks explain why countries like Lithuania lack confidence in whether China could play a constructive part in mediating for peace on the Ukraine issue. Does China support the Ambassador’s remarks? Do you agree that the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics lacks solid basis in international law?
Mao Ning: The Soviet Union was a federal state and as a whole was one subject of international law in international relations. This does not negate the republics’ status as sovereign countries after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.
On the Ukraine issue, China’s position is objective, just and clear. We will continue to work with the international community to make our own contribution to facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
