German Media: Lithuania's New Prime Minister: Will Normalize Diplomatic Relations with China

According to reports, Lithuania's new Prime Minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, stated in his government program that while maintaining a tough stance toward Russia, he will adjust the country’s foreign policy toward China.

As reported by Euronews, on Tuesday, July 7th, Lithuania’s new Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius presented his government’s program to the national parliament. While continuing a firm policy toward Russia, the most notable shift lies in his approach toward China.

The government program states that Lithuania will “normalize diplomatic relations with China to the level of other EU member states.” The report analyzes this as signaling a more pragmatic stance.

This marks a clear departure from the previous conservative-led coalition. In 2021, Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a representative office, prompting Beijing to downgrade diplomatic ties with Lithuania and impose economic and trade restrictions on the country.

During his parliamentary presentation of the government program, conservative Lithuanian MP Žygimantas Pavilionis questioned Sinkevičius, asking why he "doesn't see China's challenges" and why "you are so fond of China."

"I have neither love nor hatred toward China," Sinkevičius replied. He added that his foreign policy has two main priorities: "first, security, and second—of equal importance—economic cooperation."

Last month, negotiations on an economic cooperation action plan were suspended

According to Lithuania’s National Radio (LRT), last month, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the suspension of negotiations with Taiwan on an economic cooperation action plan, citing "changes in internal political conditions."

Euronews reports that at the EU level, Lithuania aligns with France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands—countries that, last week, called at the European Council for broader trade defense tools, including tariffs, to respond to China’s unfair trade practices.

An analysis article published by Lithuania’s National Radio (LRT) on July 8th cited experts who believe that if Lithuania truly normalizes its relations with China, it is unlikely to return to the previous era of value-based foreign policy under conservative rule—even if future parliamentary majorities shift.

Source: DW

Original: toutiao.com/article/1870156871356425/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of its author