China’s embassy in Paris has distanced itself from remarks made by its ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, that questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet member states. The embassy clarified that Lu’s comments were his personal opinion and not official policy, and affirmed China’s respect for the sovereign status of the former Soviet republics. Lu’s statements, made during an interview on April 21, triggered outrage from European leaders who accused him of contradicting the principles of the United Nations Charter. In response to the criticism, China reaffirmed its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis in partnership with the international community.