The United States says it supports Lithuania’s decision to strengthen ties with Taiwan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he spoke to Lithuania’s foreign minister Gabriel Landsbergis on Saturday. Blinken says he told Landsbergis that the United States supports the move to expand ties between Taiwan and Lithuania.
Ties between Taiwan and the Baltic country have warmed considerably over the past year. Lithuania openly supported Taiwan’s bid to participate in last year’s World Health Assembly despite objections from China. In June, Lithuania pledged 10,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan, which it delivered in late July. The two countries also plan to establish representative offices in each others’ territory this year.
The recent developments in Taiwan-Lithuania ties have drawn ire from China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory. However, Lithuania says it has no plans to give into Chinese pressure.
Taiwan thanked the United States for backing Lithuania’s decision. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou says the foreign ministry will continue to seek exchanges with like-minded countries. She says Taiwan will uphold democracy, justice and human rights, and that the country will not give into threats and intimidation.