China sends in Wolf Warrior muscles for its tussles with Brussels

EU leaders are about to get some face time with one of China’s leading Wolf Warrior diplomats.

On Thursday, the foreign ministry (MoFA) appointed Lu Shaye as its special representative for European Affairs.

Some context: Lu served as China’s ambassador to France until January, frequently ruffling feathers with his abrasive style and outspoken defense of assertive Chinese diplomacy.

• In particular, Lu sparked European ire in April 2023 when he suggested that the sovereignty of post-Soviet countries (like Ukraine) had no basis in international law.
• MoFA distanced itself from Lu’s comments, but the gaffe doesn’t appear to have hindered his diplomatic career.

According to MoFA, Lu’s new position will involve “coordinating and handling European affairs and conducting consultations and exchanges with European countries and EU institutions.”

Get smart: Lu’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the EU and China try to navigate their own trade disputes while keeping a wary eye on tariff-happy Washington.

• Putting a consummate Wolf Warrior like Lu in the driver’s seat suggests Beijing may be preparing to get more assertive in its dealings with Brussels.

Get smarter: Lu’s continued relevance in European affairs underscores that, for Chinese diplomats, it still pays to err on the side of strident patriotism.