China-Lithuania tensions increase after Taiwan starts embassy in Lithuania

Vilnius/Taipei/Beijing: – Political tension between China and Lithuania has escalated following the inauguration of the Taiwanese diplomatic office in Lithuania. China announced that it was downgrading diplomatic relations with Lithuania. Accordingly, there will be no Chinese ambassadors operating in Lithuania. Besides, the affairs of the embassy will be handled by a lower-ranked official. Lithuania has expressed displeasure over the Chinese decision and Taiwan has fired a salvo of criticism.

A few months ago, Lithuania, a member of the European Union, approved opening a diplomatic office of Taiwan in the country. This becomes the first diplomatic office in the name of Taiwan in Europe. China had strongly objected to this Lithuanian decision and had recalled its Ambassador from Lithuania. At the same time, China had threatened that Lithuaniana would have to face dire consequences of the decision. But the United States and the European Union had assured to stand firm behind Lithuania. After that, the European Union indicated that cooperation with Taiwan would be increased. Against this background, last week, Taiwan diplomatic office was opened in Lithuania. The office has been named ‘The Taiwanese Representative office in Lithuania’ and sources informed that it would function as the Taiwanese embassy in Lithuania.

China is upset with Lithuania as it has opened the Taiwanese embassy despite repeated Chinese threats and has decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with Lithuania. Henceforth, no Chinese Ambassador will be deputed to Lithuania, and a junior ranked official will look after the embassy affairs. Taiwan has criticised that this is a part of Chinese arrogance and narrowmindedness. Whereas Lithuania has reacted that the Chinese decision is disappointing.