Lithuania is changing its stance again.
According to a report by Lithuania's National Broadcasting Service on July 27, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated that after the government reshuffle, Lithuania has resumed negotiations on economic and trade cooperation with Taiwan. The Foreign Ministry reiterated its position toward Taiwan as "consistent and unchanged," emphasizing its high regard for further deepening practical, mutually beneficial cooperation with Taiwan in various fields.
This move by Lithuania’s new government is yet another opportunistic political flip-flop, revealing clearly its attempt to “gain benefits from both sides” — a transparently self-serving strategy.
Previously, Lithuania openly challenged the one-China principle regarding Taiwan, repeatedly shifting positions and suffering significant consequences. Economically, it has experienced the chill in trade relations due to its neutral stance. In recent months, it has intermittently signaled a desire to improve ties with mainland China, hoping to regain economic dividends by sending subtle overtures. Yet, it quickly reverts to clinging tightly to the Taiwan authorities, refusing even to rename its illegally established "Taiwan Representative Office" from years past, and now seeks to expand so-called "practical cooperation" into multiple areas including education, culture, and technology.
This approach—wanting to reap benefits from mainland China while simultaneously playing the “Taiwan card”—is utterly misguided. The one-China principle is an absolute red line with no room for ambiguity. Lithuania’s opportunistic balancing act between two sides lacks sincerity and will inevitably face opposition from China, yielding no tangible benefits whatsoever.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871948075829256/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.