China denounces Lithuania’s decision to expel its diplomats

Foreign ministry of China expressed strong condemnation and firm opposition on Monday regarding Lithuania‘s decision to declare three Chinese diplomats from its Office of the Charge d’Affaires as personae non gratae. The ministry’s statement highlighted that Lithuania failed to provide justification for the diplomats’ expulsion, which occurred on Friday, and reiterated its strong disapproval of the action.

Lithuania’s foreign ministry referenced violations of the Vienna Convention and local legislation as the basis for the expulsions, although specific details were not disclosed. The 1961 Vienna Convention establishes the framework for diplomatic law.

Following Lithuania’s decision to permit Taiwan to establish a de facto embassy in 2021, Beijing downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania and urged multinational corporations to sever ties with the Baltic nation, which has a population of 2.9 million.

In response, Lithuania has recalled its ambassador and other diplomatic personnel. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that Lithuania has significantly violated the one-China principle concerning Taiwan and has betrayed the political commitments outlined in the communiqué that established diplomatic relations between the two nations, resulting in serious challenges for China-Lithuania relations.

The ministry further noted that over the past three years since the downgrading of relations, Lithuania has intensified its actions that undermine bilateral ties. It also asserted that China reserves the right to implement countermeasures in response to the diplomatic expulsions.

China regards Taiwan, which operates as a democratic entity, as part of its territory and has increased pressure on countries to downgrade or sever their relations with Taiwan, including unofficial ties. Lithuania, like the majority of the international community, acknowledges China’s stance on the “one China” principle, recognizing Taiwan as part of China, while not maintaining full diplomatic relations with Taiwan.