Taiwan, Canada, and Japan have requested to join the EU’s case at the World Trade Organization over China’s economic coercion against Lithuania, Politico has reported.
“The three informed us today they were joining the EU’s WTO case,” a senior European official with direct knowledge of the case told Politico.
Global Affairs Canada later confirmed the request to join the case, saying in a statement that Canada “opposes economic coercion and stands with like-minded partners in supporting rules-based international trade with the World Trade Organization at its core”.
“Canada is concerned by China’s recent trade actions taken against Lithuania and European Union goods and services with Lithuanian content, which could undermine the rules-based international trading system and its institutions,” the statement added.
This follows the escalation of the trade dispute after Beijing on Wednesday suspended beef, milk, and beer imports from Lithuania.
China has imposed unannounced sanctions and a de facto economic blockade on Lithuania after Vilnius began forging closer ties with Taiwan, an island nation that Beijing views as part of its territory.
Previously, the US, UK, and Australia have also asked to join the EU’s WTO case against China.
The “request for consultations” is the first stage under WTO dispute settlement procedures. If the talks with China do not yield a result within 60 days, the EU may request the WTO to establish a panel to rule on the dispute.
Read more: China suspends Lithuanian beef, milk, and beer imports in further escalation of Taiwan row
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