[Epoch Times November 22, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Zhong Yuan Taipei reported) After the establishment of the “Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania” of the Republic of China, the CCP retaliated against Lithuania and lowered the diplomatic relations between the two countries to the level of charge d’affaires. Lithuania’s Prime Minister Simmonit stated that Lithuania wants to develop closer economic relations with Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that Lithuania’s firm defense of its sovereign decision-making and its values of freedom and democracy are admirable.
The Prime Minister of Lithuania looks forward to establishing closer economic, cultural and scientific relations with Taiwan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that the “Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania” was formally established and put into operation on November 18, opening a new page for exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Lithuania. This is the first foreign embassy office of the Republic of China in Europe under the name of Taiwan. The first representative in Lithuania will be Huang Junyao, the current representative in Latvia.
The CCP was very angry about this. On November 19, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zhao Lijian criticized the Lithuanian government for violating the CCP’s “One China” principle, and said that it “at your own risk”. On the 21st, the Chinese Communist Party announced that it has decided to lower the diplomatic relations between the two countries to the “charge d’affaires level.” When Zhao Lijian was asked on the 22nd whether China (the Communist Party) planned to sever diplomatic relations with Lithuania, Zhao Lijian did not respond positively.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said on the 21st that the “Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania” does not have formal diplomatic status, and its opening should not surprise anyone.
Symonit pointed out that Lithuania hopes to establish closer economic, cultural and scientific relations with Taiwan. She wants to emphasize that this step does not imply any conflict or disagreement with the “One China” policy.
Lithuania withdrew from the Central and Eastern European Countries-China Cooperation Mechanism (17+1) led by Beijing earlier this year, and allowed the Republic of China to open a Taiwanese Representative Office in the capital Vilnius. Nius recalled the ambassador of the Communist Party of China, and must ask Lithuania to withdraw its ambassador to Beijing. The Lithuanian ambassador returned to Lithuania from Beijing on September 4.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 21st that it regretted the Chinese Communist Party’s decision to withdraw the Lithuanian ambassador and lower the diplomatic relations between the two countries to the charge d’affaires level. Lithuania reaffirms its adherence to the “One China” policy, but it also has the right to expand cooperation with Taiwan and, like many other countries, receive and establish non-diplomatic missions to ensure the actual development of this relationship. Lithuania accepts Taiwanese based on economic interests.
Reuters reported that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed support for the position taken by the Vilnius authorities on the 21st.
Ausrine Armonaite, Minister of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, stated on Facebook on the 19th that the Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania has opened! “We are very happy that this day is here.” She said on the 20th that despite the threat, allowing Taiwan to set up a representative office would bring more benefits to the Lithuanian economy.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Lithuania’s firm defense of its sovereignty decision is admirable
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that Lithuania’s firm defense of its sovereign decision-making and its values of freedom and democracy are admirable. Lithuania and Taiwan are also friendly partners with consistent ideas, and both sides have continued to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan stated that the main purpose of the establishment and operation of a new representative office of the Republic of China in Lithuania is to expand mutual benefits in economy and trade, science and technology, education, and culture, and to continue to deepen people’s exchanges and friendship. I believe that through the joint efforts of both Taiwan and Taiwan, the friendship between the two countries will be stronger, and together they will contribute to international peace, stability and prosperity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China issued a statement claiming that the “One China Principle” is a universal consensus of the international community and a recognized norm of international relations. In fact, this is a self-concocted and imposed method with the purpose of annexing Taiwan.
“The CCP has never ruled Taiwan and is not affiliated with Taiwan.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the fact of Taiwan exists in the international community, and the government exercises exclusive jurisdiction over the territory. This is the status quo of the Taiwan Strait, and it is also a fact. Taiwan and other countries, especially It is a democratic country with close and friendly relations, and it has not stopped because of the request or anger of the Chinese Communist government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that, in order to demand Lithuania to stop exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan, the Chinese Communist government even took measures to downgrade Lithuania’s diplomatic relations. This only highlights that a powerful and powerful country is both arrogant and small, which is ridiculous but not worthy of comment.
Foreign Minister Wu Zhaoxie said on the 22nd that everyone can see that Lithuania is fighting the expansion of the CCP’s authority and admire its moral courage. The CCP’s act of degrading relations between the two countries is domineering and arrogant.
Europe and the United States support Lithuania’s development of relations with Taiwan
Reinhard BÜTIKOFER, the head of the European Parliament’s delegation to China, and the Lithuanian European Parliament Member Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS jointly led 62 heavyweight members of the European Parliament. They sent a public letter to the President, Prime Minister and Speaker of the Parliament of Lithuania on September 3, and the deputy informed the European Union. The leadership, in response to the CCP’s recent threats, intimidation, and bullying, demonstrated solidarity with Lithuania.
62 members of the European Parliament emphasized that Taiwan plays a vital role in the international community. All European Union member states have the right to deepen economic, cultural and diplomatic relations with Taiwan. In addition, the co-chairs of the 28 European “Formosa Clubs” jointly sent a letter to the leaders of the European Union and NATO on August 25, in support of Lithuania’s development of relations with Taiwan.
The Taiwan Representative Office of the Republic of China in Lithuania was established on the 18th. There was a wave of support from the European Parliament. Not only did the People’s Party, the largest party group, express support for Taiwan, but many European parliamentarians also issued documents affirming that Lithuania is not afraid of CCP pressure and stressing that Europe cannot allow the CCP to influence its policies.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in September. Lance Burgess said, “The United States directly supports our foreign policy decisions” and “this is very important to us.”
US Deputy Secretary of State Uzra Zeya said at a press conference in Vilnius on November 19 that the United States opposes other countries’ attempts to interfere in Lithuania’s relations with Taiwan.
The Minister of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, Aušrinė Armonaitė, said a few days ago that Lithuania will sign a $600 million export credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania stated on the 21st that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lance Burgess will go to Washington from the 23rd to the 25th. He will meet with U.S. Undersecretary of State Fernandez, who is in charge of economic growth, energy and environment, to discuss Lithuania’s expansion with the United States. , The possibility of deepening mutually beneficial economic relations.
The relationship between Lithuania and Taiwan is getting better and better. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated on the 20th that former Vice President Chen Jianren was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania to attend the “Democratic Future-High-level Countermeasures against Totalitarianism” held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania from the 19th to the 20th. forum”. As a guest of honor, he delivered a speech entitled “Taiwan is the Touchstone of Democracy” at the forum, sharing Taiwan’s democratic experience with the international community, and calling on democratic countries to cooperate in defending the values of ideas.
Chen Jianren’s speech was introduced by Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament. Earlier on the same day, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis delivered a speech at the opening of the forum. The dignitaries at the meeting included Uzra Zeya, Deputy Secretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights of the US State Department, and others; Chen Jianren attended the opening ceremony , Also interacted with Zeya.
Editor in charge: Lin Yan#
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