Lithuania expels Chinese diplomats amid Taiwan tensions
Last week, Lithuanian authorities announced that they had declared three Chinese diplomats as persona non grata, stating that their actions violated the Vienna Convention. Beijing responded with a stern diplomatic note.
According to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Chinese authorities strongly condemn the Lithuanian government's "wanton and provocative actions." This pertains to the decision made by Lithuanian authorities last week.
An unnamed representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Lithuanian officials of classifying three diplomatic personnel members with the rank of chargé d'affaires as persona non grata "without any justification" and demanding their departure from the country within a specified timeframe.
Beijing protests
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Friday that "the decision was made based on information provided by the responsible authorities."
Relations between Lithuania and China deteriorated in 2021 when a Taiwanese representative office was opened in Vilnius. In response, Beijing suspended diplomatic relations with Vilnius, recalled its ambassador, and began a blockade of economic exchange.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: "Lithuania has seriously violated the one-China principle on the Taiwan issue and betrayed the political commitments made in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which has led to serious difficulties in China-Lithuania relations."
The authorities in Beijing added that they reserve the right to take remedial actions against the Lithuanian side if it does not cease "undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
