![The conflict in Ukraine has strained China's relations with Russia and former Soviet countries, as Beijing navigates its geopolitical interests in the region while trying to maintain stable diplomatic ties with all parties involved.](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/china-ukraine-war-russia-relations-former-soviet-countries-04262023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
In a rare move, China’s Foreign Ministry has publicly distanced itself from statements made by a sitting ambassador after the PRC’s top envoy in Paris, Lu Shaye, suggested that none of the former Soviet republics are recognized under international law. His remarks sparked outrage in several European countries.