China's Diplomatic Move Puts Sovereignty of Former Soviet States in Doubt.

The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, welcomed China's clarification distancing itself from comments made by its ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, who questioned the sovereignty of Ukraine and other former Soviet states. The remarks have added to European concerns about China's growing economic and political influence and its stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some EU member states are skeptical of China's role as a mediator in the conflict. Meanwhile, member states are divided over whether to procure ammunitions for Ukraine only within the EU or tap other countries.