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In a comment, the diplomatic mission told BNS that Nuctech’s safety and reliability is recognized around the world.
“The decision of the Lithuanian Government Commission to block it at Lithuanian airports is obviously determined by political reasons. It will be a loss for Lithuania. Market facts will prove it,” the embassy said in a comment.
The government commission investigating transactions important to national security this week ruled that a transaction with China’s state-owned company Nuctech over the supply of X-ray baggage screening equipment at the country’s airports was not in the interest of national security.
The airports themselves and Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chairman of the Seimas Defense and National Security Committee, addressed the government commission on Chinese investments.
L. Kasčiūnas later warned that Nuctech’s X-ray inspection team at airports could collect data on passengers and luggage that would be available to Chinese intelligence and security services under Chinese law.
Lithuania’s decision was well received by the US ambassador.
“I congratulate the Lithuanian government for taking this step, which is aimed at protecting Lithuania’s national security and critical infrastructure,” Ambassador Robert S. Gilchrist said in a comment to BNS.
“As I said in my first interviews when I arrived a year ago, we believe that the United States, our allies and partners must work closely together to ensure that our essential security is guaranteed,” he added.
Last year, Lithuanian intelligence services warned that “China’s pursuit of technological advantage and active investment penetration increases the vulnerability of other countries and the risk of losing control of infrastructure.”
Transport and Communications Minister Marius Skuodis BNS declined to comment on the situation.
It is not allowed to publish, quote or reproduce the information of the BNS news agency in the media and on websites without the written consent of the UAB “BNS”.
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