By Emma Farge

GENEVA (Reuters – Britain joined a growing list of Western countries supporting the European Union during a case at the World Trade Organization against China regarding its alleged trade barriers on Lithuania. The EU’s trade minister stated that this was a step to combat “coercive” trading practices.

The EU launched an attack on the Geneva-based trade agency last month. China was accused of unfair trade practices against Lithuania, which it claimed threatens the integrity and unity of the EU’s single markets.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan tweeted, “We will ask to join the EU’s WTO consultation into those measures as a Third Party to ensure that we combat economic coercion trade together.”

Australia and Taiwan both indicated that they will join the consultations.

On Monday, the Lithuanian foreign affairs ministry stated on Twitter (NYSE 🙂 that they were also supported by the United States.

Katherine Tai, U.S. trade representative, didn’t immediately reply to my request for comment. Washington is often a third party to trade disputes and Tai already supports Lithuania.

China is attempting to pressure Vilnius to reverse its decision to permit Taiwan to open an embassy de facto in its capital last year.

China has lowered diplomatic relations with Baltic nations and forced multinationals to end them.

WTO gives 60 days to the disputing parties for mediation in order to come to a resolution. If no agreement is made, the EU could launch a formal dispute to set up a WTO panel that will examine China’s claims.

Geneva-based trade representative said that participation by other Western countries would help the EU case, provided they were not blocked from Beijing.

He stated, “If other members are arguing for you and putting forward arguments on your behalf, I think that the panel would consider it.”