Lithuania does not compromise with China on Taiwan. How did it become so relevant in the politics of the Baltic state? / Script

China this week announced its own recall of the ambassador from Lithuania in protest of Vilnius’ decision to allow Taiwan open a representative office, which will use the name “Taiwan” for the first time in Europe in the last decade. It can be considered as de facto embassy to a country that China considers its territory. Beijing’s reaction is a warning not to shake the Chinese dragon behind the mustache for Lithuania and other countries that might consider closer relations with Taiwan, but Vilnius is not giving in. –

A number of events have led to the current relations between Lithuania and China. In 2019, Lithuanian intelligence services for the first time identified Chinese espionage activities as a threat to national security. In August of the same year, several hundred people had gathered in Vilnius for a support rally against Hong Kong democracy activists, which escalated into Beijing supporters. Last year, Asia became an important topic in the Seimas elections.

Konstantin Andrijauskas, a Chinese expert and associate professor at Vilnius University, said: “The new, current government has made it very clear that values ​​will be the driving force behind Lithuania’s foreign policy. Almost immediately, it also gained an Asian edge, especially in its relations with China, and with it the Taiwan issue. “

Support for Taiwan was also included in the coalition agreement.

In May, Lithuania announced its withdrawal from the “17 + 1” format of Chinese economic and political cooperation.

At the same time, a few weeks ago, 20,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine were delivered as a donation from Lithuania to Taiwan – a symbolic gesture of friendship after Taiwan donated face masks to Lithuania last year. But China in particular is outraged by plans to open a Taiwanese representation in Lithuania, which will be called “Taiwan” instead of “Taipei”, as is being done in many other countries, so as not to offend Beijing. It considers Taiwan to be part of its territory.

This week, China announced the recall of its ambassador from Vilnius and demanded that Lithuania recall its own.

Zen Li, a Chinese TV channel’s TV presenter, explained: fundamental principles of diplomatic relations. “

Regretting China’s move, Lithuania emphasized that it respected the “one China principle”, but also wanted to develop ties with Taiwan.

At the same time, some politicians in the ruling party were harsh in their statements.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabriel Landsberg said: “Many said that China would respond one way or another. For example, a few years ago, the President of the European Parliament met with the Dalai Lama. At that time, China recalled its ambassador to the European Union. it’s not an amazing step. “

Žīgimants Paviļonis, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Seimas, stated: “Beijing obviously sees us as a second-class country that should stay under its slipper and listen to their communist lectures on various belts and roads, which we estimate is not profitable at all.

The trade deficit with China is growing; every Lithuanian citizen returns about 300 euros a year to the communist regime in China. “

The opposition, on the other hand, is more cautious, and its leader, former Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Squernel, has called for reflection on the consequences: “Markets and our economic interests there. Yes, Chinese investment in the country is limited. We are losing quite a few markets where our exports have been fairly stable. “

China’s place in Lithuania’s trade balance is not the most prominent, so the government rejects concerns about the economic impact. But politically, Beijing is trying to send a strong message to other countries that may be considering more formal relations with Taiwan.

“[Ķīna] is truly surprised at the fact that such a small and remote country is really ready to take this decisive step.

Therefore [Ķīna] believes that if nothing is done, eventually other countries may decide to do the same. Therefore, from Beijing’s point of view, it is important or even imperative to stop this case. However, as far as I know, Lithuania does not intend to deviate from it, ”says Konstantin Andrijauskas.

Condemnation of Lithuania’s relations with Taiwan and condemnation of China’s actions has been expressed by the United States, but undoubtedly many countries in the world face a similar dilemma, including Latvia, therefore will closely follow the further development of events between Lithuania, China and Taiwan.

Interview with Chinese expert, Associate Professor of Vilnius University Konstantin Andrijauskas in English:

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