China's Ambassador Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Ukrainian and Soviet Sovereignty.

China has distanced itself from the remarks of its Paris ambassador Lu Shaye, who questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet countries. The ambassador's comments last week caused widespread outrage, leading to calls for Beijing to clarify. On Monday, China's foreign ministry said it respected the independence of all post-Soviet republics. China is a major ally of Russia and has not condemned President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year.