China appoints controversial diplomat as special representative for European affairs.

China has appointed its former ambassador to France, Lu Shaopeng, as the special representative for European affairs

60-year-old Lu has a rather 'controversial' reputation due to his provocative statements.

According to Reuters, in 2023 he stated that the former Soviet republics 'lack effective status in international law'. This statement sparked outrage in many EU countries. He also referred to Crimea as historically Russian, reports ZN.UA.

Lu will promote dialogue and cooperation with Europe and will facilitate stable and healthy development of relations between China and the EU, announced the Beijing foreign ministry.

Lu will replace 72-year-old Wu Hongbo, who was appointed to this position in 2019 when it was first created.

Lu's controversial comments in the past have evoked unexpected reactions from many diplomats regarding this appointment.

'We still remember very well the statements about the Baltic states,' said a European diplomat on condition of anonymity.

Among other controversial statements made by the diplomat is his comment during a television interview in 2022, when Lu suggested that the Taiwanese people would undergo 're-education' after China takes control of the island, which Beijing considers its territory.

Currently, there are no signs that China has publicly 'punished' Lu for his controversial remarks. The Chinese embassy in Paris previously stated that the diplomat's comments regarding the former Soviet republics were 'expressions of personal views,' while the Beijing foreign ministry also distanced itself, assuring that China respects the sovereign status of all former Soviet countries.

Continued strained relations with Europe

The appointment comes at a time when relations between Beijing and Europe are at a turning point after last week US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and threatened tariffs against the EU.

While transatlantic ties are strained, a number of European politicians show signs of being ready to rethink relations with Beijing. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that it is ready to cooperate with Brussels to respond to global challenges.