Lithuania expels Chinese diplomats amid rising tensions
Lithuania has declared three Chinese diplomats as persona non grata following a violation of the Vienna Convention. This decision escalates tensions between Vilnius and Beijing.
Lithuania has opted to expel three Chinese diplomats due to violations of the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian law. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision was based on information from pertinent authorities, although details have not been disclosed. The diplomats have one week to depart the country.
Tensions between Vilnius and Beijing
Relations between Lithuania and China had worsened since 2021 when a Taiwanese representative office was established in Vilnius. In response, Beijing suspended diplomatic relations with Lithuania and imposed an economic blockade. The current decision to expel the diplomats could further strain these relations.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that despite the current difficulties, Lithuania remains open to dialogue with China to address bilateral issues. However, as noted by the Polish Press Agency, the situation is tense, and the future of the relations between these countries remains uncertain.
