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Chinese Wolf Warrior diplomat hits out at Europe’s military focus in Indo-Pacific
- China’s ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, suggests nations should instead seek economic and trade cooperation in region
- But he says French and German leaders are taking correct approach to ties with Beijing and aren’t influenced by ‘anti-Chinese voices’
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An outspoken Chinese diplomat has taken aim at the military focus of the EU and French Indo-Pacific strategies, but praised France and Germany for not being swayed by “anti-Chinese voices”.
Lu Shaye, China’s ambassador to France, suggested European nations should instead seek to work with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We hope that the Indo-Pacific strategy of the European Union and France can promote cooperation with countries in the region, instead of using it as a strategy against China, especially military confrontation,” Lu said in an interview with French newspaper L’Opinion, according to a transcript posted on the embassy website on Friday.
“Unfortunately, so far we have only seen its military side. France should focus more on economic and trade cooperation,” he said.
02:26
Britain’s new aircraft carrier joins Nato exercises ahead of Indo-Pacific voyage
Britain’s new aircraft carrier joins Nato exercises ahead of Indo-Pacific voyage
The European Council adopted the Indo-Pacific strategy in April, highlighting its economic but also security engagement with the region. The strategy calls for free, open and secure maritime supply routes, and France, Germany and Britain are meanwhile boosting their naval presence in the region.
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