Lithuania signals willingness to rebuild bridges with China

Lithuania has submitted proposals to Beijing aimed at restoring diplomatic relations, signaling an effort to overcome a years-long dispute that significantly strained ties between the two countries.

Vilnius has presented concrete proposals for the restoration of normal diplomatic engagement and remains open to dialogue, Lithuanian Foreign Ministry told BNS news agency.

“Lithuania has conveyed concrete proposals to the Chinese side on restoring the functioning of diplomatic missions and remains open to dialogue based on international law, generally accepted diplomatic practice, and national legislation,” the ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry stated that Lithuania seeks to normalize relations with China so that they mirror the diplomatic framework maintained by other European Union member states.

“This is a complex process that requires time and efforts from both sides,” the ministry acknowledged.

Relations between Vilnius and Beijing deteriorated sharply in 2021 after Lithuania, under the government of then-Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis permitted the opening of a Taiwanese representative office in the capital under the name “Taiwanese Representative Office.”

China strongly objected to the use of the name Taiwan, viewing it as inconsistent with its position on the island’s status. In response, Beijing recalled its ambassador from Lithuania and requested that Vilnius do the same.

Chinese authorities have maintained that they would accept the office if it operated under the name “Taipei Representative Office,” as is common practice in many other countries.

The diplomatic dispute subsequently led China to downgrade its relations with Lithuania to the level of chargé d’affaires. Beijing later issued a diplomatic note reducing the status of its mission in Vilnius from an embassy to a temporary representative office.

By Vafa Guliyeva