The EU has voiced its support for Lithuania as China continues to ban more Lithuanian products. France, which assumed the presidency of the European Council in January, said on Sunday that the EU must stand with its member state Lithuania in the rapidly developing trade conflict with China.
China has banned beef, dairy, and alcohol imports from Lithuania, citing inadequate product information from the Lithuanian companies. These bans come after Lithuania and Taiwan decided to open representative offices in each other’s capitals.
China has also recalled its ambassador from Lithuania and downgraded diplomatic ties.
France’s foreign trade minister, Franck Riester, says that China’s trade bans are meant to force Lithuania to respect Beijing’s “one China principle”. Riester says that he plans to quickly draft a new act that will help the EU respond to China’s economic pressure on Lithuania.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry says that the threats and pressure that China has put on Lithuania violate Lithuania’s rights under international trade law. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou says that Taiwan must continue to stand on the side of democracy with Lithuania, and not live in fear of China’s bullying.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis voiced a similar sentiment during his recent visit to Australia. He says that all democracies must come together to protect the laws governing the foundation of international trade.