As relations between Lithuania and China deteriorate, attention has also turned to ties between Lithuania and Taiwan. To this, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) said that Taiwan and Lithuania’s partnership remains stable and continues to develop.
On November 29, the Baltic country declared three staff members of China's representative office as persona non grata and required them to leave the country within the week. Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry cited violations of the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian laws as reasons for the expulsions. China has since then condemned and opposed Lithuania’s expulsion of its Chinese diplomats, adding that it could take countermeasures for such actions.
Amid the strained relations between China and Lithuania, renewed focus has been drawn to Taiwan. Spokesperson Liu said that Taiwan and Lithuania are democratic nations on the frontlines of resisting authoritarian expansion and share common values. He said since the establishment of mutual representative offices, the two countries have built a strong foundation of friendship and trust and both nations closely collaborate in areas such as semiconductors, lasers, agriculture, finance, and healthcare.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the recent news of Lithuania's actions relating to China’s diplomats.