China downgrades ties with Lithuania after Taiwan opens de facto embassy

Beijing says Vilnius’ decision to allow the island to open the representative office sets egregious precedent

Presence of Taiwan office openly creates the false impression of ‘one China, one Taiwan’ in the world, foreign ministry says

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Taiwan has opened a de facto empbassy in Vilnius. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 1:09pm, 21 Nov 2021Updated: 11:13pm, 21 Nov 2021

China has formally downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania after the opening of a de facto embassy by Taiwan in the Baltic state, the foreign ministry announced on Sunday.

Beijing reduced its presence in Vilnius from the level of ambassador to charge d’affaires, just days after Taipei formally opened an office in Lithuania using the name Taiwan, a departure from its usual diplomatic practice, which Beijing said violated the one-China policy.

Other Taiwan representative offices in Europe and the US have only used “Taipei” to avoid reference to the island as a whole, which China claims as its own territory.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the move created “an egregious precedent” in the international community and Beijing’s move was to safeguard its sovereignty.

“This act openly creates the false impression of ‘one China, one Taiwan’ in the world, renounces the political commitment made by Lithuania in the communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs,” the ministry said.

“We urge the Lithuanian side to immediately put right its mistake and not to underestimate the Chinese people’s strong resolve, will and ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Lithuania said it “regrets” China’s decision to downgrade relations.

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