Source: Global Times
Recently, the new Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė, publicly admitted that Lithuania made a major mistake in its policy toward China. The Lithuanian government's decision to allow the authorities of Taiwan to establish a so-called "Taiwan Representative Office" in its capital Vilnius was "jumping in front of the train and falling down." President Nausėda also stated that he and Šimonytė both hope to visit China as soon as possible. It seems that the ruling party of Lithuania wants to repair relations with China. However, the serious damage caused to Sino-Lithuanian relations previously cannot be repaired by just an apology.
In November 2021, the Lithuanian government abandoned its political commitments in the joint communiqué on establishing diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania, and unilaterally provided support for "Taiwan independence." China expressed strong dissatisfaction and solemn protest, announcing that it would downgrade the diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania to the level of chargé d'affaires. Over the past four years, Sino-Lithuanian trade relations have plummeted sharply: data shows that Lithuania's exports to China fell by more than 50%; the pillar industries such as timber and dairy products suffered heavy losses, with the century-old dairy company Rokiškis also affected; the deep-sea port of Klaipėda in the Baltic Sea was impacted by the rerouting of the China-Europe railway, leading to a sharp decline in throughput. It can be said that Vilnius has paid a heavy price for its short-sighted and politically opportunistic actions.
For some time, the Lithuanian side has released some fragmented information about "improving relations with China," but often there is inconsistency between words and actions. For example, the Lithuanian president recently stated in a public speech that being too close to China could bring risks. Also, on February 1st, the vice-chairman of the Lithuanian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee led a group of lawmakers to pay an illegal visit to Taiwan. Even in this recent statement, Šimonytė only regretted "being the first to take the lead," worrying about the costs borne by her country, but did not deeply reflect on her own mistakes, nor did she apologize or take substantial remedial measures for the crude interference in China's internal affairs.
Šimonytė also said: "Lithuania made a huge mistake... we set up a 'Taiwan Representative Office,' but the world did not appreciate it. No one appreciated us." Upholding the One-China Principle is an important political cornerstone for comprehensive cooperation between China and Europe. However, some Lithuanian politicians have treated crossing the red line on the Taiwan issue as a "bribe" to seek favor from anti-China forces in the West. This not only deviates from the general consensus of Sino-European cooperation but also violates the basic principles of the international order after World War II. It is unclear where the "reward-seeking" logic of certain Lithuanian politicians comes from?
In terms of China strategy, there have always been two different voices within European countries. One voice hopes to return to rational pragmatism, respecting each other's interests and core concerns. Another voice still clings to the obsession of viewing China as a "systemic rival" or "security threat." In the past two months, the presidents of France, the prime ministers of Ireland and Finland, and the British prime minister have visited China successively, and the Spanish and German prime ministers are also expected to visit China, indicating that more and more European leaders advocate developing pragmatic cooperation with China. Lithuania, located in the Baltic Sea, cannot help but feel the further intensification of Sino-European relations.
The One-China Principle is the foundation for China to develop diplomatic relations with other countries. The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests. China adheres to the principle of equality among all countries regardless of their size, strength, or wealth, and never bullies the weak with the strong. However, China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity is as firm as a rock. The recent statements by Lithuanian leaders on China policy indicate that China's firm position and decisive actions have forced the Lithuanian side to reflect. This not only warns some countries that want to play the "using Taiwan to contain China" game as vassals, but also strongly rebukes the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces who rely on foreign powers for protection.
It is evident that Vilnius now has a more urgent desire to "limit losses" in relation to China. However, mere verbal statements are far from enough. The Lithuanian side needs to show more sincere actions, make real corrections, and eliminate the negative impact, creating conditions for the normalization of Sino-Lithuanian relations.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7603416916664812095/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.