Lithuania’s Prime Minister Ingrid Šimonytė has indicated a willingness to discuss restoring diplomatic ties with China, a move that signals a potential shift in Vilnius’s stance following a prolonged period of strained relations. The statement, made during a press conference on Tuesday, came in response to repeated calls from Beijing for the re-establishment of full diplomatic engagement.
The current diplomatic impasse began in December 2021 when Lithuania closed its embassy in Beijing, a decision widely interpreted as a response to increasing Chinese pressure over the Baltic nation’s deepening ties with Taiwan. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and demands that countries maintain a “One China” policy, which includes not establishing official diplomatic relations with the island.
While Šimonytė did not offer specific conditions for restoring relations, she emphasized the need for a reciprocal approach from China. “We are open to dialogue, but it must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international law,” she stated. She did not elaborate on what specific actions from China would be required to facilitate a return to normalized diplomatic relations.
The move comes as Lithuania seeks to diversify its economic and political partnerships, particularly in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Although, any rapprochement with China would likely draw criticism from key allies, including the United States, which has repeatedly voiced its support for Lithuania’s sovereign right to forge its own foreign policy.
Historical ties between Lithuania and China date back centuries, with the first recorded contacts occurring in the 16th century through Jesuit missionaries based in Vilnius. The Republic of China formally recognized Lithuania in 1921, a relationship that continued until World War II. Modern diplomatic relations were initially established with the People’s Republic of China in 1991, with both countries establishing embassies in their respective capitals by 1995.
Currently, China maintains a chargé d’affaires in Vilnius, representing its interests in the absence of a full ambassador. The Lithuanian government has not yet announced any concrete steps towards reopening its embassy in Beijing, and no date has been set for further discussions with Chinese officials. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to Šimonytė’s statement.
