Chinese customs data gives first glimpse of the scale of unofficial blockade, with 91.4 per cent drop in shipments from the Baltic state in December.

MEPs reiterate calls for sanctions on the city’s top leadership and propose for the first time a review of the city’s status at the World Trade Organization.

Inaction against unofficial trade embargo will allow Beijing to intensify ‘divide and rule’ practices and weaken European unity, MEPs warn.

Members ‘expressed clear solidarity with Lithuania’, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, but despite calls by Vilnius, no new measures were announced.

Just 13 per cent support Vilnius, according to a government poll that adds to the pressure on its foreign ministry.

The president of the European Parliament, who died on Tuesday, was remembered as protective of MEPs who came under fire from Beijing.

Taipei says it will set up a US$200 million investment fund for Lithuanian industries, while Beijing seeks Vilnius’ retreat on ‘Taiwanese Representative Office’.

Zhang Ming is the first Chinese since 2006 to head a Eurasian grouping that, much like the European Union, has sometimes been described as a ‘talking shop’.

Sources say tit-for-tat sanctions over Xinjiang and the ‘death’ of an investment deal mean there is little room for the two sides to make progress in key areas.

The embassy, which had its status downgraded last month, will operate remotely until agreement is reached over diplomatic accreditation.

Bid to forge a united position expected to lead to heated debate on Monday; Foreign Affairs Council also set to discuss the growing China-Lithuania trade dispute.

Lithuanian vice-foreign minister is not surprised, but calls Chinese customs’ refusal to come to the table ‘hypocritical’.

The EU is investigating complaints from Lithuanian exporters that the country was ‘wiped’ from the Chinese customs system.

EU investigates whether technical problems blocking exports were a one-off issue with its Beijing office contacting Chinese authorities seeking answers.

The move could result in China and other countries accused of economic bullying being shut out of lucrative parts of the European market.

Scrutiny of the 2022 Games has ratcheted up in line with the global outcry over China’s treatment of Peng Shuai

Wendy Sherman and Stefano Sannino discuss repression in Xinjiang and Tibet and ‘the erosion of autonomy and democracy in Hong Kong’, among other topics.

The filing by a non-profit group says the companies’ use of Chinese suppliers frequently accused of using forced labour breaks Dutch law.

European Union’s Global Gateway plan promises to mobilise up to €300 billion (US$340 billion) between 2021 and 2027 for modern infrastructure projects outside the bloc.

The opening of a de facto Taiwanese embassy in Vilnius is the latest source of friction between the Baltic nation and Beijing.

Chinese foreign ministry urges Berlin to ‘continue its pragmatic China policy’ after new government signals readiness to challenge Beijing on sensitive topics.

Germany’s coalition agreement text contains more than a dozen references to China, and mentions Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Adoption of the renewal is expected in early December after member states’ ambassadors give the go-ahead ‘without discussion’.

Despite state media efforts to present the tennis star as safe and active, ‘the requests for reliable information are legitimate and remain,’ EU spokeswoman says.

Chinese and Russian purchases in particular can expect to face review and scrutiny under the EU’s investment screening mechanisms.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis says the Baltic state would ‘appreciate’ material support from Brussels after coming under pressure from Beijing.