Noticing that the remarks made by some Lithuanian political figures on the diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania do not reflect the facts and mislead the public, we would like to clarify and reiterate our position as follows:

I.Nothing could compare to the Taiwan Issue

We noticed that some Lithuanian politicians are trying to downplay the seriousness and importance of Taiwan issue in the setback of bilateral relations. 

The Taiwan issue is of China's core interest and concerns China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No other issue can be compared with it. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a widely recognized norm of international relations, which does not allow any challenge or distortion by anyone or any country. 

Lithuania, in disregard of China’s strong protest and repeated representations, became the first country ever having diplomatic ties with China to allow the Taiwan authorities to set up a "representative office" under the name of "Taiwanese", openly creates the false impression of "one China, one Taiwan" in the world, which undermines China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and jeopardizes the bilateral relationship.

II.The key to the normalization of the China-Lithuanian relationship 

Referring to the argument that changing the name of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania would not do any help to alleviate the tension between China and Lithuania, we would like to reiterate that proper handling of the Taiwan issue is the key to the normalization of bilateral relationship between China and Lithuania.

China's position on Taiwan-related issues is clear and consistent. Since July last year, when Lithuania announced its welcome to the setup of Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, the Chinese side has many times stated its solemn positions and warned that Lithuanian government must bear all the ensuing consequences. We have no objection to the non-governmental trade and cultural exchanges between Lithuania and Taiwan under the one-China principle, but it will never allow the countries having diplomatic ties with China to engage in any official contacts with Taiwan authority and establish representative offices with Taiwan under the name of "Taiwanese". Lithuanian government is clear about China’s position and the crux of the issue. Lithuania should take concrete actions to correct its mistakes, if it really wants to deescalate the tensions. It does not work by simply changing the Chinese name of Taiwan representation from “Taiwanese” into “Taiwanese people”.

III.The door for bilateral negotiation is open

The ins and outs of the issue existing between China and Lithuania are crystal clear. The dispute between China and Lithuania is a political issue, rather than economic one. It is also an issue between China and Lithuania, rather than China and the EU. China has responded properly in defense of its legitimate rights and interests and international justice, which is completely legitimate and lawful.

It will not be conducive to the improvement of bilateral relations by accusing China of “economic coercion” and launching a case at WTO against China. China always follows WTO rules, the so-called "coercion" of China against Lithuania is purely made out of thin air. 

We noticed that H.E. President Gitanas Nausėda acknowledged the mistake in naming the Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania. The door for bilateral negotiation remains open. We hope the Lithuanian government demonstrates its sincerity, face up to the objective facts, mend its ways and comes back to the right track of adhering to the one-China principle, rather than confusing right and wrong with malicious hype-ups, let alone trying to rope other countries into ganging up on China.