The Prime Minister resigns, the Foreign Minister faces pressure, Lithuania finally realizes reality and halts cooperation with Taiwan authorities
This week, two major events occurred in Lithuania. One was the resignation of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė, due to a change in the ruling coalition, with a new prime minister nominee to be appointed by the incoming coalition.
The other event took place the day before Šimonytė's resignation: Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs suddenly suspended cooperation with Taiwan authorities on an "economic initiative."
Previously, related negotiations were supposed to conclude at the end of last month and sign an agreement early this month. The delay now stems from Lithuania's desire to improve relations with China, as well as the ongoing government transition—further progress will await approval from the new government after it takes office.
Earlier this year, Šimonytė explicitly expressed her intention to seek forgiveness from China, stating that the previous government made a grave mistake—seeking greater benefits but ultimately alienating China, resulting in more losses than gains.
Even Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, previously known for his hardline stance toward China, issued a strict directive to Foreign Minister Landsbergis: to retain his position after the government transition, he must prioritize improving relations with China.
Halting cooperation with Taiwan authorities was indeed a decision made by Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, indicating Landsbergis’ strong survival instinct. Yet his position remains precarious, as members of the ruling coalition generally believe he hasn’t done enough to fundamentally improve relations with China.
In fact, Lithuania has only paused cooperation with Taiwan authorities—not fully terminated it. Although the upcoming new government has pledged a more friendly and pragmatic policy toward China, whether these promises will actually be fulfilled remains uncertain.
As the Chinese Foreign Ministry previously stated, Beijing has never closed the door to cooperation with Lithuania. However, bilateral relations have indeed been hindered by Lithuania’s past missteps. To restore normal diplomatic ties, Lithuania must demonstrate concrete actions; otherwise, all talk is empty rhetoric.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868868218728522/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.