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Beijing sees the democratic island as part of a “single China,” and Taiwan’s strong neighborhood aspirations for strong independence are strongly supported by the United States.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has expressed opposition to the establishment of formal relations with Taiwan by any country with which it has diplomatic relations.
“We urge Lithuania to respect the ‘one China’ principle and not send wrong signals to the independence forces in Taiwan,” Reuters said in a statement.
The Taiwanese mission in Lithuania should start its activities this summer
After Taiwan announced the establishment of a representative office in Lithuania to be established separately from China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that it should start its activities this summer.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs after receiving a notification from Taipei that a Taiwanese representation will open in Lithuania. The mission will be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the condition of” other mission “, and will begin its activities with the arrival head of the mission, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this summer.
According to the Ministry, Lithuania is interested in expanding cooperation with Taiwan in various fields, focusing on the development of economic relations and cultural exchanges. The representation of Taiwanese in Vilnius will undoubtedly contribute to closer communication between Lithuanians and Taiwanese, and to mutual knowledge of both nations.
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu called the opening of the mission “very significant.”
“Lithuania is a good partner for Taiwan, guided by the same values of freedom and democracy,” Wu said during a virtual press conference, adding that both countries are “on the strategic front line for the defense of democratic systems.” .
This message is the latest sign that some Central European and Baltic countries are seeking closer relations with Taiwan, even at the cost of Chinese outrage.
Beijing claims the island and promises to take it back one day, if necessary by force.
About 23 million. Population-based democracy, officially known as the ROC, is recognized as a country only by 15 other states.
China seeks to isolate Taipei on the world stage and avoids using the word “Taiwan” in any case, so as not to give the island international legitimacy.
However, Taiwan actually maintains diplomatic relations with dozens of states through its missions in Taipei.
This autumn, Lithuania plans to establish a Lithuanian business representative office in Taipei.
According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan has its representations in 74 countries of the world, of which 18 are in the European Union. Taipei currently has its own office in Riga, from where the three Baltic states are represented.
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