New Lithuanian Premier Signals Reset in Relations With China

Lithuania's new Prime Minister, Mindaugas Sinkevicius, has described the 2021 decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office in the country as "perhaps too bold". On his first day in office, he also pledged to normalize relations with China.

After the opening of the Taiwanese representative office, Beijing downgraded diplomatic relations with Lithuania and imposed trade restrictions. The new government's agenda calls for restoring ties to ambassadorial level.

Ahead of the parliamentary confidence vote, Sinkevicius said Lithuania wants relations with China to match those of other European countries. At the same time, he suggested that improving ties would be possible without changing the status of Taiwan's representative office. He added that the Foreign Ministry is considering several options.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said cooperation with Lithuania continues regardless of the position of third parties. It added that both sides intend to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and the broader economy.

The new government has also pledged to keep defense spending above 5% of GDP, maintain the presence of US troops in Lithuania and continue supporting Ukraine.

(Reuters, bak)