Lithuania will stand by the name of the Taiwanese Representative Office. That was the word from Lithuanian Member of Parliament Matas Maldeikis when asked about the possibility of a name change due to pressure from China. Maldeikis was speaking in a recent RTI interview.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Wednesday also said that there are no plans to change the name of the office. There has been media speculation of a possible change after Lithuania’s president said that the name of the office was a mistake. Maldeikis explained that the president’s remark was a reflection of domestic politics.
China has been boycotting Lithuanian goods and even pressuring other European companies such as German car parts Continental to not source parts in Lithuania.
On Thursday, the EU responded by filing a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China over its discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania, which are also hitting other exports from the EU.
Lithuania has come under domestic pressure as well for engaging Taiwan and alienating China. A recent survey by the Lithuanian foreign ministry found that 60% of respondents did not support the nation’s value-based foreign policy. Maldeikis, however, said this should not be read as a referendum on its Taiwan policy as many respondents may not understand the implications of the question.
Maldeikis cited the generational divide in support for Lithuania’s foreign policy. The older generation often does not understand why the country needs to take on China as it has to deal with Russia and Belarus. Many from the younger generation however support Lithuania’s Taiwan policy and have told him to “Never give into China.” Maldeikis is the chair of the Parliamentary Group for Relations with Taiwan.
He also said that Taiwan’s support of Lithuania is very important politically and economically. Taiwan set up a US$1 billion credit fund for Lithuania and a US$200 million investment fund for Lithuania. Last year, Taiwanese also spent over US$90 million on Lithuanian goods. Taiwanese businesses have also recently bought up goods, such as Lithuanian rum and milk, that have been rejected by China. He said that the generosity of the Taiwanese is sending a great message not only to Lithuania but to the world.
Despite the obstacles, Maldeikis is optimistic about the continued strengthening of Lithuania-Taiwan ties. He also said it will take time to create strong political and economic ties. He believes that successful Lithuania-Taiwan ties can show the world that countries don’t need to play according to China’s narrative.