Part 6/9:
L Shen’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given his previous comments that stirred outrage by questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet states. News of his return to a senior role is seen by many as a signal that Beijing values a hardline approach in its dealings with Europe. As the European Union grapples with divided opinions on China, L's presence is expected to further illustrate these complexities as Europe seeks to balance trade and diplomatic engagement with an increasingly assertive China.
With ongoing tensions related to trade and China's support for Russia, his role will be critical in navigating EU-China relations, making the time ripe for either confrontational or conciliatory dialogues, which could significantly impact future engagements.