China’s ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, whose remarks about Ukraine and other former Soviet states caused uproar across Europe last year, is wrapping up his tenure in Paris.
Lu, 60, one of the country’s most prominent Wolf Warrior diplomats who is famed for his abrasive style, is expected to return to Beijing next month, according to French media.
At a farewell reception at Beijing’s embassy in Paris on Monday, Lu said he would continue to support the Chinese community in France “no matter where I am in the future”.
“Economic and trade relations have always been the ballast of China-France relations. Cultural exchanges are the driving force. And Chinese people in France are a bridge that connects our hearts,” he said in comments that appeared in videos on social media.
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How do France’s ambitions as a global leader figure in China-US relations?
How do France’s ambitions as a global leader figure in China-US relations?
In a video interview with the official China News Service on Sunday, Lu said he had seen China-France relations evolve over the past five years while he was ambassador, as the “friendly atmosphere” became marked by “more intricate issues” in the fields of politics, the economy and trade.