Chinese ambassador summoned in Lithuania over ‘deplorable behaviour’ by officials during Vilnius’ show of support for Hong Kong protesters
- Officials ‘crossed the line’ by orchestrating pro-Beijing supporters as they challenged demonstrators, says Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius
- Diplomatic row relates to human chain formed in Baltic state, held in tandem with Hongkongers
Lithuania’s foreign minister has summoned the Chinese ambassador over the embassy’s alleged involvement in a counterprotest against supporters of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Linas Linkevicius said China’s officials in Vilnius had “crossed the line”, accusing them of directing pro-Beijing hecklers as they disrupted an expression of solidarity in the Lithuanian capital with the anti-government campaign in Hong Kong.
Hundreds of Lithuanians formed human chains on August 23 at the same time as tens of thousands of Hongkongers made the same gesture.
Pro-Beijing supporters briefly disrupted the demonstration in the Baltic state, shouting slogans such as “Hong Kong is part of China” against demonstrators.
Lithuania’s foreign ministry on Monday served a diplomatic note on Zhifei Shen, the Chinese ambassador in Vilnius, stressing it would not tolerate the behaviour from some Chinese diplomats seen at the counterprotest.