China's potential strategies in the EU might include pursuing links with Lithuania as well - Prime Minister's Perspective
VILNIUS UNplugged:
It's a diplomatic standoff between Lithuania and China, courtesy of Lithuania's cozying up to Taiwan. Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas spilled the beans, suggesting that if China has designs on the European Union, they'd be keen to lock horns with Lithuania too.
"If the Chinese have the slightest interested or tomfoolery going on in the EU, Lithuania's a part of the EU, right? Lithuania ain't a minnow on the pond, so China ain't deaf or daft - they want us on board too," Paluckas said at a presser in Seimas earlier this week.
In Paluckas' view, it's a walk in the park to get things back on track. He reckons China just needs to pack its bags and send an ambassador to Vilnius, while Lithuania does the same for China.
"We ain't gonna cave, no unclever sneaking around, no groveling. (...) We ain't giving a damn inch neither, b'sides, diplomacy ain't about groveling, nor stepping on each other's throats, or begging for forgiveness - it's about getting straight down to business," the PM explained.
So, what sparked this tangle? Back in 2021, Lithuania pardoned Taiwan by allowing them to open a putative "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Vilnius. China saw this as an attempt by Taiwan to strut around like an independent state. Elsewhere, such offices are christened "Taipei."
To get things back on track, China has been yammering on about changing the name of the office.
But Lithuania ain't playing ball. Instead, the discussion revolves around restoring ambassador-level relations. Lithuania insists it respects China's 'One China' policy by maintaining that Taiwan's office is a trade entity, not a diplomatic one.
Currently, Lithuania's the lone EU chum not on talking terms with China due to these skirmishes[3]. However, the olive branch is in play. Lithuanian PM Gintautas Paluckas is aiming for a detente with China while preserving his country's principles and values[1][2]. As of now, discussions are among the living, with Lithuania holding steady[5].
The Lowdown:
The issue dates back to 2021, when Lithuania offered a warm welcome to Taiwan by letting them open a "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Vilnius. China flipped its lid, withdrawing its ambassador and booting Lithuania's ambassador from Beijing, followed by trade sanctions[3].
Lithuania stands as the single EU country not buddies with China due to these hiccups[3]. Yet, there's a will, there's a way. Efforts are underfoot to patch things up. Lithuania's PM has shown a keen interest in normalizing ties with China[1][2].
China has been singing the same song - change the name of the Taiwanese office to begin anew[5]. But Lithuania ain't buyer, bucket, nor barrow for it - they prefer to maintain their stance on Taiwan's office without putting a speck on their ongoing negotiations[5]. Despite the impasse, time ticks on[5].
The Time Table:
- Year 2021: Lithuania grants Taiwan permission to open the "Taiwanese Representative Office," spinning China into a tailspin[3].
- Year 2024: President Gitanas Nausėda floated the idea of changing the office's name to speed things up[3].
- Present: The negotiation dance continues, with Lithuania standing firm on Taiwan's office hurdle[5].
- The diplomatic standoff between Lithuania and China is primarily due to Lithuania's decision to allow Taiwan to open a "Taiwanese Representative Office" in Vilnius, which China views as a provocative move, akin to an attempt by Taiwan to assert itself as an independent state.
- In an effort to ease the tension, China has proposed changing the name of the Taiwanese office, while Lithuania has maintained its stance, arguing that Taiwan's office is a trade entity, not a diplomatic one, and insisting on adhering to its principles and values.
- The Chinese government has taken punitive measures against Lithuania, withdrawing its ambassador and imposing trade sanctions, making Lithuania the only EU member state not enjoying cordial relations with China.
- Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has shown a keen interest in normalizing relations with China, aiming for a detente while upholding his country's principles and values, and negotiations are currently ongoing between the two nations.
