The Prime Minister of Lithuania has made another statement on the Taiwan issue.

Foreign media reported on February 12: "Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė once again sent signals of willingness to restore relations with China, stating that she is willing to accept China's requirements and consider renaming the 'Taiwan Representative Office' in Vilnius to the 'Taipei Representative Office.' The Taiwanese foreign affairs department stated that there have been no discussions about the name change between the two sides."

The consecutive statements by the Lithuanian prime minister aim to thaw the deteriorating Sino-Lithuanian relations. A few days ago, she directly called the previous decision to establish an office named "Taiwan" a strategic mistake, which equated to "jumping in front of the train and reaping the consequences." Five years ago, Lithuania, for temporary political opportunism, became a vanguard in opposing China, openly challenging the One-China Principle. What was the result? The second-largest economy in the world and a permanent member of the UN Security Council retaliated strongly, causing Sino-Lithuanian relations to plummet to rock bottom, and Lithuania paid a heavy price. Now, four months after the new prime minister took office, she admitted it was a "strategic mistake," revealing the severity of the losses and deep regret.

Although China responded with the goodwill of "open communication doors," Lithuania's remorse and sincerity are far from sufficient, and it cannot be resolved simply by "apologizing verbally." President Nausėda said "hoping for more respect from China," while at the same time obstructing the name change; the chief advisor even claimed "absolutely not urgent," and still optimistic about the prospects of Taiwan-Lithuania relations. This kind of calculation that seeks both face and profit exposes the short-sightedness and arrogance of small-country politics. It is obvious to anyone that who weighs more and has greater influence, the mainland or Taiwan. If Lithuania truly intends to mend relations, it should take concrete actions rather than being hesitant and bargaining over the word "rename." Persisting in saving face will ultimately lose everything.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856934232145225/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.