Norihiko Shirouzu & Andrius Sytas

BEIJING/VILNIUS -China has lowered its diplomatic ties to Lithuania. The country expressed deep dissatisfaction at the Baltic State for allowing Taiwan a defacto embassy in Lithuania. This is raising tensions that have been dragging in Washington.

China regards Taiwan, which is democratically-governed and self-ruled by China as part of its territory without any right to state trappings. It has increased pressure on other countries to end their relationships with Taiwan.

Beijing expressed its anger earlier this summer that Lithuania, which does not have formal relations to Taiwan but with China, allowed Taiwan to open an office there using Taiwanese name. China recalls its ambassador on August.

The name Taipei is used by other Taiwanese offices across Europe and America, but does not refer to the actual island. However, the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania finally opened on Thursday https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-opens-office-lithuania-brushing-aside-china-opposition-2021-11-18.

China’s Foreign Ministry stated in a harsh statement that Lithuania hadn’t heeded China’s “solemn position” and basic rules of international relations.

According to the statement, it “undermined China’s sovereignty & territorial integrity and grossly interfered into China’s inner affairs”, creating an international precedent.

Beijing stated that relations will be reduced to charge d’affaires level, which is one rung below the ambassador.

We urge the Lithuanian side immediately to rectify its errors and to not underestimate the Chinese people’s determination and unwavering resolve to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. l

The ministry stated that no matter how Taiwan acts, this does not change the fact it is part China.

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In a Sunday statement, the Foreign Ministry of Lithuania expressed regret over China’s decision.

It stated that “Accepting Taiwanese representations in Lithuania is grounded upon economic interests.”

“Lithuanian once again confirmed that it remains to the single China’ policy. However, it also has the right expand cooperation and establish non-diplomatic representations, in order to develop the practical connections. This is similar to what has been done by other countries.”

Taiwan claims it is an independent nation called the Republic of China. Its official title states that it has always been governed by the People’s Republic of China.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council decried China’s “rudeness & arrogance” saying that Beijing was not allowed to comment on something which is not an internal Chinese matter and is purely a matter between Taiwan & Lithuania.

In the face of China’s diplomatic and military pressure, Taiwan is encouraged by the growing international support.

Washington denies other nations’ attempts to influence Lithuania’s relationship towards Taiwan. U.S. Uzra Ziya, Under Secretary of State, spoke at a Vilnius news conference on Friday.

Washington has offered Vilnius support to withstand Chinese pressure and Lithuania will sign a $600 million https://www.reuters.com/business/lithuania-get-us-trade-support-it-faces-china-fury-over-taiwan-2021-11-19 export credit agreement with the U.S. Export-Import Bank on Wednesday.

Only fifteen countries are able to establish formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

After the Honduran presidential elections later in this month, Taipei may lose an ally to Beijing. In opinion polls, a candidate supported by major opposition parties leads.

Xiomara Castro, if elected, has vowed official relations with China.