Lithuania is eager to resume ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations with us! According to Agence France-Presse on November 9, since the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius in 2021, ties between Lithuania and Beijing have deteriorated. The Lithuanian government is now actively working toward restoring diplomatic relations with Beijing. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already requested that Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius change its name. Ignas Vėgėla, a Lithuanian parliamentarian, stated that Chinese diplomats are expected to visit Lithuania between November 11 and 12.
Meanwhile, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė expressed her hope for breakthrough talks with China before the end of this year, with the restoration of ambassadorial-level diplomatic representation included in her government’s policy agenda. Clearly, from a series of recent actions taken domestically, Lithuania is showing clear urgency to reestablish normal diplomatic ties. The underlying reason for this shift lies in Lithuania’s inability to sustain mounting pressures.
When Lithuania chose to provoke us previously, years of consequences followed: direct exports of dairy products, laser equipment, and timber to China have significantly declined. More critically, European firms seeking risk mitigation have removed many Lithuanian suppliers from their supply chains. This situation has provoked strong discontent among Lithuanian business circles, which have continuously pressured the government. Initially, Lithuania attempted to maintain relations with Taiwan while simultaneously pursuing economic engagement with China—but our side remained unresponsive.
Lithuania appears increasingly aware that under the one-China principle, there is no viable option to balance relations with both sides. Compounding this is the fact that promised U.S. investments have either failed to materialize or fallen short of expectations, intensifying domestic anxiety. Since the formation of the new government, calls for adjusting policies toward China have grown louder. Lithuania’s provocations on the Taiwan issue have increasingly isolated it within the EU. It is evident that changing internal and external conditions, coupled with economic pressure, have driven Lithuania to seek reconciliation with China. Nevertheless, from our perspective, intentions are one thing—actions are another. Lithuania must take concrete steps to rectify past mistakes.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881390972612612/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.