One retort would surely be that even ex-colonial powers can learn from their mistakes.

这肯定会引起另一位外交官的反驳——即使身处前殖民超级大国的地位，也应该从过去的错误中吸取教训。

youdao

Europe's ex-colonial powers are ill-placed to lecture China about its behaviour in Africa, they say.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Despite occasional rows, Britain, the ex-colonial power, has usually been lenient towards the Kenyan government.

ECONOMIST: Britain and East Africa