Every nation has the right to determine its foreign policy. But for China, where Taiwan is concerned, there is no room for compromise. Beijing’s strong reaction to Lithuania’s decision to allow Taipei to establish a representative office in the country under its own name was to be expected; the recalling of the Chinese ambassador and order for Vilnius to follow suit proved the seriousness of the matter. The one-China principle that governments agree to when forging relations cannot be swayed from without consequences. Lithuania surely knew that. Taiwan’s overseas presence has always been under the name of Taipei, an acknowledgement of the sensitivity of the issue to Beijing and in keeping with the island’s international recognition as being Chinese sovereign territory. But a strengthening of American ties has emboldened Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen and use of the word “Taiwanese” for the new office reflected her independence-mindedness. This was understandably a step too far for Beijing and it responded appropriately. To some outsiders, Beijing’s decision could be seen as a powerful nation bullying a far smaller one. But Lithuania has been steadily moving away from China and towards the island since April last year, when an unsuccessful effort was made by politicians and other public figures to support Taiwan’s bid to join the World Health Organization. Three months ago, Vilnius withdrew from Beijing’s 17+1 grouping , the Chinese mechanism for engaging with central and eastern European countries. China was further infuriated in June when Lithuania bypassed its jurisdiction by pledging to donate 20,000 Covid-19 vaccines to Taipei. The recalling of the envoy sent a message to Lithuania’s leadership and was also a warning to other governments about crossing the line on Taiwan. Lithuania has little trade with China and its negative experience when part of the Soviet Union has left it prejudiced about communism. In the face of pressure from Washington as it builds a global alliance as part of its rivalry with Beijing, a growing number of smaller European countries are taking a cautious or even negative approach towards Chinese overtures. But while countries can determine their own diplomatic and trade affairs, Taiwan is a complicated issue. Although the one-China principle is about sovereignty, it is also a matter of integrity for Beijing due to staunch support from Chinese citizens. Washington’s closer ties with Taipei and its efforts to isolate Beijing are causing a dangerous situation, not just for the region, but internationally. Countries have to have a clear understanding of the nuances and meaning of “one China”.