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L. Kojala was interviewed by journalist Vladimiras Laučius.
Lithuanian-Chinese relations are very bad. After Lithuania established its representation in Taiwan, China withdrew its ambassador. Tell me, is China’s reaction very drastic? What do you hear from China itself?
It was probably to be expected. China has always presented the Taiwan issue as a red line for Lithuania and all other countries in the world. Saying that if you at least assume that there is a China and Taiwan is an integral part of it, we will take action.
The response we are hearing from both official Chinese officials and the official media associated with the Communist Party is obvious: not just a condemnation, but also, in a sense, a threat that China will take more steps to encourage Lithuania to change. your position. .
What can we expect from China? What are the specific actions that would harm Lithuania?
We have already seen one, at the diplomatic level. It cannot be ruled out that it is difficult to talk about the growth of economic cooperation, although it has not been that great between Lithuania and China compared to other European countries, but now the prospects for this will diminish slightly.
Other scenarios that we have seen in other states cannot be ruled out. The United States, for example, has repeatedly stated that China is potentially responsible for cyberattacks against American companies and other sectors.
Nor can scenarios be ruled out in which hostile relationships can turn into other incidents.
In your opinion, could Lithuania have avoided this confrontation with China? Could I have taken softer steps?
The new Lithuanian government, so to speak, has made a very clear statement of the value of foreign policy and has said that there will be such decisions. At the same time, there was hope that China would respond.
In this case, Lithuania’s position is that the costs are expected to outweigh the benefits, both in terms of the potential for cooperation with Taiwan and, of course, to ensure a greater visibility of Lithuania in international politics.
And what kind of relationship awaits us with Taiwan and the United States, see the report.
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