China’s ‘outspoken’ Lu Shaye leaves Canada to become ambassador to France
- French media brace for arrival of diplomat who represents Beijing’s more active foreign policy
- Lu was highly critical of Ottawa’s handling of arrest of Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou
China has moved Lu Shaye, its combative ambassador in Canada, to France, in a sign of Beijing’s approval for his handling of the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver last year.
The foreign ministry announced on Thursday that Lu would be posted as Chinese envoy to France on Thursday, after months of speculation over his next appointment.
Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper reported the move in June, quoting sources who described Lu as an “outspoken” and “strikingly undiplomatic” diplomat.
Since his appointment to Ottawa in 2017, Lu has been openly critical of Canadian media’s coverage of China.
In an interview with the Toronto-based Canadian Press news agency soon after his arrival, Lu criticised local media for painting a negative picture of China, and said its influence over politicians prevented Ottawa and Beijing from starting long-awaited talks on a bilateral trade deal.
Lu became a high-profile media figure after Meng was arrested in December, and after the subsequent detention of two Canadians – Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – in China.
Meng was detained at the request of US authorities, who are seeking her extradition on fraud and obstruction charges. In May, Kovrig and Spavor were charged with spying.
Canada’s detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou ‘angered Chinese people’
In an article published by The Hill Times in January, Lu lashed out at the “double standards” employed by some Canadians and Canadian news outlets.
He also accused Canada of “Western egotism” and “white supremacy” in its handling of the Meng case.
The appointment of Lu to Paris showed the importance China placed on its relationship with France, said Cui Hongjian, head of European studies at the China Institute of International Studies.
He said Lu’s appointment also showed Beijing’s approval of his work in Canada.
Lu, 54, has spent his career in foreign service and served as a diplomatic officer in France between 2001 and 2003. He speaks fluent French.
At 41, Lu became one of China’s youngest envoys when he became China’s ambassador to Senegal from 2005 to 2009.
Some in France were bracing for Lu’s arrival. In June, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders warned Lu not to try to intimidate journalists in France.
China calls ‘bunk’ on Huawei threat as Canada’s decision on Meng Wanzhou looms
Cui said Lu’s media commentaries and style were a product of a new era in China’s more active foreign policy.
“Many years ago, many Chinese ambassadors were more reserved, but today, with China’s growing influence, there is a greater need for them to speak out and explain China’s position,” Cui said. “This is not particular to Lu, but expresses a broader trend.”
