[ad_1]
China has reduced its ties with Lithuania after the Baltic state boosted economic ties with Taiwan, indicating how EU member states are in danger of retaliating against Beijing if they want to strengthen ties with Taipei.
China has said it plans to reduce relations with Lithuania from the embassy to the d’affaires level and opposed the country’s idea of opening a embassy in Taipei last week. The representative office is not the same as a formal relationship but is an indication of the depth of the relationship.
“This act reflects the false notion of” one China, one Taiwan “in the world, rejects the political commitment that Lithuania has made in establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, undermines China’s sovereignty and loyalty, and seriously undermines China’s internal affairs.” China’s foreign ministry said on Sunday.
Beijing claims that Taiwan is a stable part of China and always opposes its dealings with the democratically elected government in Taipei.
Lithuania regretted Beijing’s decision and reaffirmed its commitment to a “single China policy”.
The country’s Foreign Ministry added that the relationship was economically stable, saying “it has the right to develop cooperation with Taiwan and to accept and establish non-diplomatic missions to ensure that such relations work smoothly, as many other countries do”.
Beijing’s recent actions in Lithuania come amidst a a more flexible approach to warm relationships between central and eastern European countries and Taiwan.
Vilnius believes it was chosen by China even though most EU countries and western governments have a similar system to Taiwan.
The establishment of representative offices along with Taiwan was already in place has caused memory of Chinese and Lithuanian ambassadors from their heads.
“We urge the Lithuanian side to rectify its shortcomings immediately and not to underestimate the Chinese people’s strong commitment, will and ability to protect their national sovereignty and integrity,” China’s foreign ministry said.
Taiwan is considered by many security experts and officials as a dangerous flashpoint between the US and China. Beijing is added stress in Taiwan across the embassy, the military and the economy since 2016 when the Democratic Progressive Party led by President Tsai Ing-wen replaced Kuomintang’s most friendly in Beijing.
Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania, adauza Financial Times in August that the Baltic state does not back down. He further added that although the country was committed to defending the principles of democracy, the process “should not lead to further conflicts”.
Vilnius has taken a major stance on China in recent months. The government has emerged from the 17 + 1 group established by Beijing to deal with central and eastern Europe, has criticized China for its approach to the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and banned Huawei from deepening the phone.
Some governments and legislators are reviewing their ties with China, as they have become increasingly alarmed by Beijing’s repressive policies and frustrated with the economic benefits of the world’s second-largest economy.
A group of members of the European Parliament traveled to Taipei this month to confirm help in Taiwan.
“I am not alone,” the Australian security minister said.impossible”That the country could not help the US in defending Taiwan.
China’s Foreign Ministry also issued a “strong warning” to the Taiwanese government for seeking foreign aid.
“No matter how much the ‘Taiwanese’ independence forces try to distort the truth and confuse black and white, the history of the world with Taiwan and China alone cannot be changed,” the ministry said.
Lithuania is also facing severe pressure from neighboring Belarus, where Alexander Lukashenko’s regime has drawn thousands of migrants across the border.
[ad_2]
Source link
