US using Baltic countries to stop China; China slams on the Lithuania issue

Beijing/Washington/Taipei: – Chinese foreign ministry has accused that the United States is using the Baltic countries to stop China through Taiwan. China accused that Lithuania is trying to create one China, one Taiwan and the United States supports this mistake. US Secretary of State slammed China over the Lithuania issue during the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the United States and Germany. The Chinese criticism seems to be in retaliation for this.

In July, Taiwan and Lithuania made an official announcement of opening a diplomatic office. China started aggressive moves against the ‘De facto Embassy’ started as ‘The Taiwanese Representative Office’ in November. China has recalled its Ambassador from Lithuania and has expelled the Lithuanian Ambassador. The diplomats from the Lithuanian embassy have been instructed to surrender their identity cards and indications have been given that their security will be withdrawn. Unannounced sanctions have been imposed on items imported from Lithuania. The cargo train operating between China and Lithuania also has been suspended.

The United States and the European countries are coming together against these Chinese pressure tactics. On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. Blinken raised the Lithuania issue during the press conference after the meeting and criticised China. US Secretary of State pointed to the Chinese activities saying, ‘The Chinese bullying against a country with a population of a mere 3 million is alarming. China is pressurising the US and European companies to stop manufacturing their products in Lithuania. They are being threatened that they will have to lose their Chinese market otherwise.’

Blinken claimed that the United States and its allies are coming together against such blackmail on the economic level and steps will be taken to amend the global supply chain. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock assured that the European countries stand firm behind Lithuania. Meanwhile, Taiwan has taken the initiative to counter the Lithuanian blockade. The Taiwanese government has announced an independent fund of $200 million for Lithuania. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin targeted the United States and Taiwan. He warned that Taiwan would not benefit from this ‘Dollar Diplomacy’ in any way.