Lithuania’s new government has set a goal of normalising diplomatic relations with China to the level maintained by other EU member states, but early signs suggest the effort will not be easy.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s government removed language used by its predecessor warning that China posed growing foreign policy and security risks, including its strategic partnership with Russia and increasing influence in Belarus. Still, more than a month into the new cabinet’s tenure, there is no public evidence that relations with Beijing are improving.
The Foreign Ministry says communication with China is taking place but has declined to provide details.
“Due to the nature of the contacts and the sensitivity of the information, we cannot disclose details at this time,” the ministry told LRT late last week. “We are seeking constructive dialogue with Chinese diplomats using direct and indirect communication channels, but cannot provide additional information.”
Relations collapsed in late 2021 after Lithuania allowed the opening of a Taiwanese representative office in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese”. Beijing responded with harsh diplomatic and economic measures and downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania from ambassador to chargé d’affaires.
Read more: LRT.LT
