As Lithuania’s government seeks to restore diplomatic relations with China, Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas said Thursday that Beijing remains a threat and vowed that Chinese-made components will not be used in Lithuanian energy facilities.
“We are looking for solutions and ways to prevent threats to our energy sector. I am talking specifically about inverters, converters, and other elements in the system. Certain regulatory decisions have been made to this end,” Vaičiūnas told the radio Žinių Radijas. “China remains a threat.”
Lithuania’s new government has indicated it wants to soften its rhetoric toward China, with its program including a goal of normalising diplomatic relations. Vaičiūnas said the “ball is now in China’s court” regarding the resumption of diplomatic ties, but emphasised that Lithuania’s position on energy security remains firm.
The Energy Ministry has consulted with the market to ensure that Chinese equipment is not used in projects supported by European funding, Vaičiūnas said. He cautioned, however, that avoiding Chinese components could slow the development of renewable energy projects.
Vaičiūnas has previously stressed the need to shield Lithuania’s electricity management systems from the influence of China and other third countries. In a step to reduce dependence on China, he signed a bilateral energy cooperation agreement with Vietnam this summer.
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