TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday condemned China’s demand for Lithuania to accept its “one China” dogma as a form of bullying and brainwashing of the global community.
Beijing said Friday it was open to talks with Lithuania if the Baltic nation “rectified its error” and returned to the “one China principle.” The comment came after Lithuanian government leaders suggested that allowing Taiwan’s office in Vilnius to bear the name “Taiwanese Representative Office” had been a mistake.
After the office opened in 2021, China recalled its ambassador, downgraded diplomatic relations, and initiated trade sanctions against Lithuania. Taiwanese offices in other European countries usually include mentions of the name “Taipei” instead of Taiwan.
MOFA Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said Saturday the “one China principle” only amounted to Beijing’s unilateral stance, per CNA. China’s unrealistic demands could not change the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation, he added.
Beijing’s long-term disrespect for the international order and its interference in relations between Taiwan and the global community were the true causes of regional tension, according to Hsiao.
Taiwan will continue its close cooperation with Lithuania to boost regional peace and stability, the spokesperson said.