Beijing has called on Vilnius to respect the one-China principle and end its partnership with Taiwan after Lithuania opened its Trade Representative Office in Taipei on Monday, the South China Morning Post reported.
Lithuania must “prudently handle” the Taiwan question and effectively maintain a political foundation for bilateral ties with China, the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.
China has also voiced its resolute opposition to any efforts by Taiwan to partner with foreign countries after it announced its investment in Lithuania, Reuters has reported.
According to Lijian, Taiwan’s “collusion with external forces” was creating tension.
His remarks came in response to a query about a plan announced this week by Taiwan to invest more than 10 million euros towards microchip production in Lithuania.
Beijing considers Taiwan, a self-ruling island, to be part of its territory. Last year, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius. In response, China downgraded diplomatic relations with Lithuania and imposed restrictions on the country’s exports.
On Monday, Lithuania opened its Trade Representative Office in Taipei. On the same day, Taiwan announced an investment of 3.5 million euros in a Lithuanian laser company. The island also said it will cooperate with Lithuania’s Teltonika in semiconductor production.
Read more: Taiwan announces its first investment in Lithuania, says more to come
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