[ad_1]
Jakubas Janda, an analyst at the European Securities Research Center, announced on Twitter that Lithuania pulled out of the 17 + 1 format with China.
“Lithuania officially abandoned the 17 + 1 format with a verbal warning,” J. Janda quotes an anonymous senior Lithuanian official.
Vytautė Šmaižytė, spokesperson for Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, did not reply whether Lithuania would continue to be represented at the 17 + 1 meetings.
“Lithuania cannot withdraw or join that format, because it is not an organization to join or leave. We just see more sense in participating in formats with all EU countries.” 15 minutes declared V.Šmaižytė.
“We collectively assess the whole situation and see where it makes the most sense for our state to participate,” he added.
According to V.Šmaižytė, Lithuania has not submitted any note to China regarding the 17 + 1 cooperation format.
The 17 + 1 format includes China and 17 Central and Eastern European countries, of which 12 belong to the European Union. The Beijing format is being used to strengthen ties with countries in the region, focusing on infrastructure projects.
Lithuania was not represented at the highest level at the 17 + 1 meeting in February, which was also attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping; the president was replaced by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Marius Skuodis.
Critics say the format is fragmenting the unity of the EU. Proponents say it is a useful tool for communicating with China, as Lithuania cannot communicate on a bilateral level as high as major European countries.
On Wednesday, Minister G. Landberg along with the Estonian and Latvian Foreign Ministers met with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
According to G. Landsbergis, cooperation between the United States and Lithuania to limit China’s expansion in the region was discussed.
Earlier this week, China imposed sanctions on five members of the European Parliament (EP), three parliamentarians from EU countries, including Seimas member Dovil miembro Šakalienė, and two academics.
This is a response to the EU sanctions against China for human rights violations.
[ad_2]
