A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label.

Closing the door on Lithuanian exports, however, was just the start.

Today, said Kristijonas Vizbaras, a founder of the successful chipmaker Brolis Group, anything with a “Lithuanian smell,” no matter how faint — say, a German car with a small Lithuanian-made component — risks getting blocked by China.

“Unfortunately, Lithuania has become a toxic label,” he said, lamenting that China’s economic power has given it irresistible leverage over global supply chains — and as a result, the ability to strike wherever these chains intersect with his tiny Baltic country or any other nation that causes offense to Beijing.

Mindful that foreign customers for laser sensor chips produced by Brolis Group want to avoid ending up on China’s blacklist, the company recently scrapped plans to build a $50 million factory at home and wants to set it up in Belgium instead.

The lopsided fight between Lithuania, with a population of under 3 million, and China started last summer over a representative office that Taiwan, a thriving democracy that Beijing claims as Chinese territory, was opening in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.

That feud has now expanded. The German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce warned Lithuania in December that its members working in high-tech sectors had been hit by the “Chinese-Lithuanian trade blockage in an existential way.”

Beijing has taken aim at foreign economies before. In 2010, it halted salmon imports from Norway after the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Prize committee honored a Chinese dissident writer. And in 2020, it blocked agricultural products from Australia after it called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first detected in China.

But the ferocity and scope of China’s drive to punish Lithuania is a new level of vindictiveness.

The European Union in January filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization, calling its actions against Lithuania “illegal and discriminatory,” but has otherwise largely left one of its smallest and weakest members to fend for itself. While publicly pledging solidarity with Lithuania, Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, has privately urged it to appease Beijing by having the office represent “Taipei” instead of Taiwan.

China has sent a blunt message not only to Lithuania but to the entire European bloc, at a time when recent elections tossed out reliably China-friendly governments and brought to power more China skeptics, like the German Greens, who now control the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, and the Czech Pirate Party, now in charge of foreign policy in Prague.

Adding to China’s alarm is a recent decision by Slovenia to let Taiwan open a representative office. China responded by saying it was “deeply shocked” and warned Slovenia that it was taking a “dangerous” road. Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry quickly clarified that the office would use the name “Taipei,” not “Taiwan.”

“To use a Chinese phrase, they are killing the chicken to scare the monkey, particularly the big German monkey,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels. “Many European leaders look at Lithuania and say, ‘My God, we are not going to do anything to upset China.’”

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister and the driving force behind its closer ties with Taiwan, traveled to France in January for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, but secured little support beyond vague promises of solidarity. There was no discernible movement on long-stalled European proposals for a so-called anti-coercion instrument against foreign bullying.

Making a concerted response is difficult because while China regularly berates and belittles Lithuania through Communist Party-controlled media outlets — The Global Times, a belligerent party mouthpiece, mocked the country as “just a mouse, or even a flea, under the feet of a fighting elephant” — it has not formally declared any sanctions or other punitive measures against the Baltic country or its economic partners.

“Global Times is their main tool of communication with us,” said Jovita Neliupsiene, Lithuania’s deputy economy minister. Lithuania’s trade with China, she added, vanished almost overnight, but “nothing has been declared.”

It came as no real surprise when China demonstrated its anger over the Taiwan office, and an earlier Lithuanian decision to spurn a Chinese-led diplomatic forum, by halting imports from Lithuania, which amounted to just 1% of the Baltic country’s total exports.

Unexpected, however, was that China would also halt its own exports to Lithuania, depriving manufacturers of the components and materials they need.

“Rationally, it is very unusual that a country bans its own exports,” Neliupsiene said.

Sigitas Besagirskas, head of the Vilnius Industry and Business Association and owner of a small glider manufacturer, gets most of his materials from Germany but also needs a few small but vital Chinese parts. When his Chinese supplier refused to sell to him, he said, he turned to a company in Estonia to order the parts. But the supplier quickly figured out that the end buyer was in Lithuania and stopped sales.

“Anybody connected to Lithuania can’t export to or import from China,” Besagirskas said.

The constant blows from China have led even Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nauseda, to question his country’s policy toward Taiwan. The president said in a radio interview in January that it was a “mistake” to let the office use the Taiwan name.

Many ordinary Lithuanians, while intensely proud of their country’s central role in the collapse of the Soviet Union, think it foolish to take on China, another big communist power. An opinion poll commissioned by the Foreign Ministry found that only 13% of those surveyed supported the government’s Taiwan policy.

Besagirskas derided the outreach to Taiwan as well intentioned but doomed. “Of course, we would all like China to be different. It is totally undemocratic. But we are a small country, and changing China is mission impossible for us.”

A poll done by his business association found that nearly three-quarters of all member companies were suffering from China’s undeclared economic blockade.

“They are trying to cut Lithuania from the economic map of the world,” said Laurynas Kasciunas, chair of Parliament’s national security and defense committee.

Even Chinese goods that Lithuanian companies have already paid for and whose shipping had been arranged are now stuck at Chinese ports, caught up in red tape, sudden spot inspections and other obstacles.

“It is all very sophisticated and targeted very precisely,” said Vidmantas Janulevicius, president of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, who has had dozens of containers of materials for his solar panel making company blocked for months in Chinese ports.

The Federation of German Industries complained in a statement late last year: “China’s recent measures against Lithuania are having the effect of a trade boycott with repercussions throughout the EU.&nbsp;Imports from China that are needed in German production facilities in Lithuania and exports from Germany to China that contain Lithuanian components are also affected.”

The European Union, however, is deeply divided between countries like Hungary, which routinely blocks statements against Beijing, and those that favor a tougher line. France has pledged to get legislation for the “anti-coercion instrument” moving, but few expect it to become a reality anytime soon.

The United States has also pledged to stand with Lithuania against Beijing but offered little in the way of concrete support.

The only place offering anything solid so far is Taiwan, which in January announced that it was setting up a $200 million fund to invest in Lithuania and other needy countries in the region and a separate $1 billion program to finance joint projects, including in high-end semiconductors. Taiwan has also started importing large quantities of Lithuanian goods, mostly food products and rum.

Eric Huang, head of Taiwan’s newly opened office in Vilnius, located on the top floor of a high-rise office tower, said his government wants to help blunt the pain of China’s strikes against Lithuania.

“Democratic countries should work together, otherwise we will set a precedent,” he said. “If China is not happy today with a certain country over a certain issue, it will be the same story all over again on a different issue tomorrow.”

A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label.

A family-owned semiconductor company in Lithuania sold nothing to China, so it did not worry much last year when Beijing, furious at the Baltic nation for cozying up to Taiwan, began blocking imports of milk products, peat and anything else it could find with a “Made in Lithuania” label. Closing the door on Lithuanian exports, however, was just the start. Today, said Kristijonas Vizbaras, a founder of the successful chipmaker Brolis Group, anything with a “Lithuanian smell,” no matter how faint — say, a German car with a small Lithuanian-made component — risks getting blocked by China. “Unfortunately, Lithuania has become a toxic label,” he said, lamenting that China’s economic power has given it irresistible leverage over global supply chains — and as a result, the ability to strike wherever these chains intersect with his tiny Baltic country or any other nation that causes offense to Beijing. Mindful that foreign customers for laser sensor chips produced by Brolis Group want to avoid ending up on China’s blacklist, the company recently scrapped plans to build a $50 million factory at home and wants to set it up in Belgium instead. The lopsided fight between Lithuania, with a population of under 3 million, and China started last summer over a representative office that Taiwan, a thriving democracy that Beijing claims as Chinese territory, was opening in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital. That feud has now expanded. The German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce warned Lithuania in December that its members working in high-tech sectors had been hit by the “Chinese-Lithuanian trade blockage in an existential way.” Beijing has taken aim at foreign economies before. In 2010, it halted salmon imports from Norway after the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Prize committee honored a Chinese dissident writer. And in 2020, it blocked agricultural products from Australia after it called for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which was first detected in China. But the ferocity and scope of China’s drive to punish Lithuania is a new level of vindictiveness. The European Union in January filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization, calling its actions against Lithuania “illegal and discriminatory,” but has otherwise largely left one of its smallest and weakest members to fend for itself. While publicly pledging solidarity with Lithuania, Josep Borrell, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, has privately urged it to appease Beijing by having the office represent “Taipei” instead of Taiwan. China has sent a blunt message not only to Lithuania but to the entire European bloc, at a time when recent elections tossed out reliably China-friendly governments and brought to power more China skeptics, like the German Greens, who now control the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, and the Czech Pirate Party, now in charge of foreign policy in Prague. Adding to China’s alarm is a recent decision by Slovenia to let Taiwan open a representative office. China responded by saying it was “deeply shocked” and warned Slovenia that it was taking a “dangerous” road. Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry quickly clarified that the office would use the name “Taipei,” not “Taiwan.” “To use a Chinese phrase, they are killing the chicken to scare the monkey, particularly the big German monkey,” said Theresa Fallon, director of the Center for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels. “Many European leaders look at Lithuania and say, ‘My God, we are not going to do anything to upset China.’” Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s foreign minister and the driving force behind its closer ties with Taiwan, traveled to France in January for a meeting of EU foreign ministers, but secured little support beyond vague promises of solidarity. There was no discernible movement on long-stalled European proposals for a so-called anti-coercion instrument against foreign bullying. Making a concerted response is difficult because while China regularly berates and belittles Lithuania through Communist Party-controlled media outlets — The Global Times, a belligerent party mouthpiece, mocked the country as “just a mouse, or even a flea, under the feet of a fighting elephant” — it has not formally declared any sanctions or other punitive measures against the Baltic country or its economic partners. “Global Times is their main tool of communication with us,” said Jovita Neliupsiene, Lithuania’s deputy economy minister. Lithuania’s trade with China, she added, vanished almost overnight, but “nothing has been declared.” It came as no real surprise when China demonstrated its anger over the Taiwan office, and an earlier Lithuanian decision to spurn a Chinese-led diplomatic forum, by halting imports from Lithuania, which amounted to just 1% of the Baltic country’s total exports. Unexpected, however, was that China would also halt its own exports to Lithuania, depriving manufacturers of the components and materials they need. “Rationally, it is very unusual that a country bans its own exports,” Neliupsiene said. Sigitas Besagirskas, head of the Vilnius Industry and Business Association and owner of a small glider manufacturer, gets most of his materials from Germany but also needs a few small but vital Chinese parts. When his Chinese supplier refused to sell to him, he said, he turned to a company in Estonia to order the parts. But the supplier quickly figured out that the end buyer was in Lithuania and stopped sales. “Anybody connected to Lithuania can’t export to or import from China,” Besagirskas said. The constant blows from China have led even Lithuania’s president, Gitanas Nauseda, to question his country’s policy toward Taiwan. The president said in a radio interview in January that it was a “mistake” to let the office use the Taiwan name. Many ordinary Lithuanians, while intensely proud of their country’s central role in the collapse of the Soviet Union, think it foolish to take on China, another big communist power. An opinion poll commissioned by the Foreign Ministry found that only 13% of those surveyed supported the government’s Taiwan policy. Besagirskas derided the outreach to Taiwan as well intentioned but doomed. “Of course, we would all like China to be different. It is totally undemocratic. But we are a small country, and changing China is mission impossible for us.” A poll done by his business association found that nearly three-quarters of all member companies were suffering from China’s undeclared economic blockade. “They are trying to cut Lithuania from the economic map of the world,” said Laurynas Kasciunas, chair of Parliament’s national security and defense committee. Even Chinese goods that Lithuanian companies have already paid for and whose shipping had been arranged are now stuck at Chinese ports, caught up in red tape, sudden spot inspections and other obstacles. “It is all very sophisticated and targeted very precisely,” said Vidmantas Janulevicius, president of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, who has had dozens of containers of materials for his solar panel making company blocked for months in Chinese ports. The Federation of German Industries complained in a statement late last year: “China’s recent measures against Lithuania are having the effect of a trade boycott with repercussions throughout the EU. Imports from China that are needed in German production facilities in Lithuania and exports from Germany to China that contain Lithuanian components are also affected.” The European Union, however, is deeply divided between countries like Hungary, which routinely blocks statements against Beijing, and those that favor a tougher line. France has pledged to get legislation for the “anti-coercion instrument” moving, but few expect it to become a reality anytime soon. The United States has also pledged to stand with Lithuania against Beijing but offered little in the way of concrete support. The only place offering anything solid so far is Taiwan, which in January announced that it was setting up a $200 million fund to invest in Lithuania and other needy countries in the region and a separate $1 billion program to finance joint projects, including in high-end semiconductors. Taiwan has also started importing large quantities of Lithuanian goods, mostly food products and rum. Eric Huang, head of Taiwan’s newly opened office in Vilnius, located on the top floor of a high-rise office tower, said his government wants to help blunt the pain of China’s strikes against Lithuania. “Democratic countries should work together, otherwise we will set a precedent,” he said. “If China is not happy today with a certain country over a certain issue, it will be the same story all over again on a different issue tomorrow.”

In an uneven fight with China, a tiny country’s brand becomes toxic

China suspended imports of&nbsp;beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan.

China's General Administration of Customs had informed the country it was halting the exports due to "lack of documentation", the agency said in a statement.

It added that "this is first such notification we ever received, because the importing countries usually start by asking for any missing information".

The Chinese agency said earlier on Thursday it had stopped imports of Lithuanian&nbsp;beef&nbsp;but gave no specific reason.

Relations frayed after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in its capital Vilnius last year, angering Beijing which regards the democratically-ruled island as its own territory.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday during a visit to Australia that nations seeking to use trade as a retaliatory measure must be reminded that "like-minded countries have tools and regulations that help withstand the coercion".

Britain said on Monday it will join the United States and Australia in backing an EU trade case against China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing's alleged trade curbs on Lithuania.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-looks-to-send-lithuania-to-garbage-bin-of-history-find-out-why-439603">Also read |&nbsp;China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why?</a>

The European Commission says overall exports from Lithuania, an EU member, to China fell 91% in December compared to the same month in 2020.

The Lithuanian agency said the country hasn't exported food products, including&nbsp;beef, to China since early December 2021. It did not immediately give further details.

"As far as I know, the Chinese move does not create practical problems, because we do not export these products to China now. The exporters have moved on to other markets", Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte told reporters on Thursday.

"If the problem is procedural and bureaucratic, as China says, then it will get solved very easily", she added.

CORRECT 'MISTAKES'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to elaborate on the&nbsp;beef&nbsp;suspension, but said Lithuania should correct its "mistakes".

"What Lithuania should do is face up to facts, redress its own mistakes, and come back to the right track of adhering to the one China principle, instead of confusing right with wrong," Zhao said, referring to China's policy demanding countries recognise its claim to Taiwan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-chinese-agency-says-it-can-intervene-in-abortions-among-unmarried-women-452278">Also read |&nbsp;Now, Chinese agency says it can intervene in abortions among unmarried women</a>

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou condemned the latest Chinese move, calling it "unilateral" and "bullying" and the latest example of Beijing trying to change Lithuania's foreign policy.

China is the world's top importer of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;but shipments from Lithuania are minimal. It imported just 775 tonnes of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;from Lithuania in 2021, out of a total 2.36 million tonnes of&nbsp;beef&nbsp;imports that year, according to Chinese customs data.

Taiwan has stepped up its food imports from Lithuania to help ease the impact of Chinese curbs, most recently rum.

China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan.

China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania's veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation's relations with Taiwan. China's General Administration of Customs had informed the country it was halting the exports due to "lack of documentation", the agency said in a statement. It added that "this is first such notification we ever received, because the importing countries usually start by asking for any missing information". The Chinese agency said earlier on Thursday it had stopped imports of Lithuanian beef but gave no specific reason. Relations frayed after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in its capital Vilnius last year, angering Beijing which regards the democratically-ruled island as its own territory. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday during a visit to Australia that nations seeking to use trade as a retaliatory measure must be reminded that "like-minded countries have tools and regulations that help withstand the coercion". Britain said on Monday it will join the United States and Australia in backing an EU trade case against China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing's alleged trade curbs on Lithuania. Also read | China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why? The European Commission says overall exports from Lithuania, an EU member, to China fell 91% in December compared to the same month in 2020. The Lithuanian agency said the country hasn't exported food products, including beef, to China since early December 2021. It did not immediately give further details. "As far as I know, the Chinese move does not create practical problems, because we do not export these products to China now. The exporters have moved on to other markets", Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte told reporters on Thursday. "If the problem is procedural and bureaucratic, as China says, then it will get solved very easily", she added. CORRECT 'MISTAKES' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declined to elaborate on the beef suspension, but said Lithuania should correct its "mistakes". "What Lithuania should do is face up to facts, redress its own mistakes, and come back to the right track of adhering to the one China principle, instead of confusing right with wrong," Zhao said, referring to China's policy demanding countries recognise its claim to Taiwan. Also read | Now, Chinese agency says it can intervene in abortions among unmarried women Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou condemned the latest Chinese move, calling it "unilateral" and "bullying" and the latest example of Beijing trying to change Lithuania's foreign policy. China is the world's top importer of beef but shipments from Lithuania are minimal. It imported just 775 tonnes of beef from Lithuania in 2021, out of a total 2.36 million tonnes of beef imports that year, according to Chinese customs data. Taiwan has stepped up its food imports from Lithuania to help ease the impact of Chinese curbs, most recently rum.

China suspends Lithuanian beef, dairy, beer imports amid Taiwan row

Germany is leading a NATO operation in Lithuania and has stationed around 500 soldiers there. Also, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz has offered a clarification on why Germany is not supplying weapons to the Ukraine.

Germany leads NATO operation in Lithuania, sends troops

Some people in Lithuania have received hidden letters after more than 50 years. The letters were discovered during reconstruction work and have now been restored to their rightful owners.

Lost letters arrive at their rightful owners after 50 years in Lithuania

Lost letters arrive at their rightful owners after 50 years

German car-makers are pressing Lithuania to seek a compromise with China. Reports say Lithuania could ask Taiwan to rename their office in Vilnius to placate Beijing. Why are Europe's big powers abandoning spirited Lithuania? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: German businesses press Lithuania to seek compromise with China

Lithuanian officials, seeking to defuse a row with China, are discussing whether to ask their Taiwanese counterparts to modify the Chinese translation of the name of Taiwan's de-facto embassy in Vilnius, two sources told Reuters.

The self-ruled island that China views as part of its territory has other offices in Europe and the United States but they use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding reference to the island itself.

The row erupted after the Baltic state allowed the opening of the Taiwanese Representation office in Vilnius.

China has downgraded its diplomatic relationship with Lithuania and pressed multinationals to sever ties with the country or face exclusion from its market.

That is an unusually harsh move that has dragged companies into a political dispute and placed Beijing on a collision course with the European Union.&nbsp;

Modifying the Chinese version of the representation name to refer to "Taiwanese people" rather than to Taiwan, was last week proposed by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to President Gitanas Nauseda as a way to reduce the tensions with China, sources said.

Watch | Gravitas: German businesses press Lithuania to seek compromise with China

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-europe-is-afraid-to-take-on-putin-447948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The change, which would bring the name in line with those used in Lithuanian and English, would need Taiwan's agreement.

The President's office refused to comment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not reply to a request for comment.

It is not possible for any single gesture by Lithuania to change China's attitude, said Linas Kojala, who heads the Vilnius Eastern European Studies Centre think-tank. 
"The government probably wants to emphasise that the office represents not Taiwan as a political entity, but the Taiwanese people with whom Lithuania wants to establish cultural, economic and other relationships," he said.

Chinese tabloid newspaper the Global Times published an article on Saturday saying that "it will take much more than just renaming the office" for Lithuania to mend its relationship with China.

"Lithuania needs to make substantial adjustments to its overall China policy, rather than completely follow the US' agenda," said the article in The Global Times, which is published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.

Lithuanian officials, seeking to defuse a row with China, are discussing whether to ask their Taiwanese counterparts to modify the Chinese translation of the name of Taiwan's de-facto embassy in Vilnius, two sources told Reuters.

Lithuanian officials, seeking to defuse a row with China, are discussing whether to ask their Taiwanese counterparts to modify the Chinese translation of the name of Taiwan's de-facto embassy in Vilnius, two sources told Reuters. The self-ruled island that China views as part of its territory has other offices in Europe and the United States but they use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding reference to the island itself. The row erupted after the Baltic state allowed the opening of the Taiwanese Representation office in Vilnius. China has downgraded its diplomatic relationship with Lithuania and pressed multinationals to sever ties with the country or face exclusion from its market. That is an unusually harsh move that has dragged companies into a political dispute and placed Beijing on a collision course with the European Union. Modifying the Chinese version of the representation name to refer to "Taiwanese people" rather than to Taiwan, was last week proposed by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis to President Gitanas Nauseda as a way to reduce the tensions with China, sources said. Watch | Gravitas: German businesses press Lithuania to seek compromise with China The change, which would bring the name in line with those used in Lithuanian and English, would need Taiwan's agreement. The President's office refused to comment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not reply to a request for comment. It is not possible for any single gesture by Lithuania to change China's attitude, said Linas Kojala, who heads the Vilnius Eastern European Studies Centre think-tank. "The government probably wants to emphasise that the office represents not Taiwan as a political entity, but the Taiwanese people with whom Lithuania wants to establish cultural, economic and other relationships," he said. Chinese tabloid newspaper the Global Times published an article on Saturday saying that "it will take much more than just renaming the office" for Lithuania to mend its relationship with China. "Lithuania needs to make substantial adjustments to its overall China policy, rather than completely follow the US' agenda," said the article in The Global Times, which is published by the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.

Lithuania considers modifying Taiwan representation name to defuse row with China

A real estate property will be put for sale soon in Lithuania. What is unique&nbsp;about it that it earlier used to be a ‘black site’. &nbsp;

At this notorious site, terror suspects used to be kept in solitary confinement by the spy agency of the US, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to the terminology, a black site means a place, where an unacknowledged black operation is conducted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-may-loom-but-are-there-off-ramps-447405" hreflang="en">War may loom, but are there off-ramps?</a>

The menacing steel barn, which is also known as Project No 2 or Detention Site Violet, is located outside Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. &nbsp; &nbsp;

On Monday, the government’s real estate fund said that it was preparing to sell the former “black site” for an unknown price. This fund handles assets that are no longer needed by the state. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It was a part of Washington’s secret 'extraordinary rendition' programme, where suspected Islamist militants from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were captured and held in jails outside the US. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-president-joe-biden-calls-reporter-stupid-son-of-a-b-on-hot-mic-find-out-why-447299" hreflang="en">Watch: US President Joe Biden calls reporter 'stupid son of a b****' on hot mic. Find out why</a>

The 10-room building served as a detention centre in 2005 and 2006 for the US. It was closed in 2006. It has windowless and soundproofed rooms. This facility has its own power generator and water supply. &nbsp;

The now-empty rooms in this facility are dominated by fluorescent lighting and the hum of air conditioning. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A real estate property will be put for sale soon in Lithuania. What is unique about it that it earlier used to be a ‘black site’. At this notorious site, terror suspects used to be kept in solitary confinement by the spy agency of the US, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

A real estate property will be put for sale soon in Lithuania. What is unique about it that it earlier used to be a ‘black site’. At this notorious site, terror suspects used to be kept in solitary confinement by the spy agency of the US, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). According to the terminology, a black site means a place, where an unacknowledged black operation is conducted. Also Read: War may loom, but are there off-ramps? The menacing steel barn, which is also known as Project No 2 or Detention Site Violet, is located outside Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. On Monday, the government’s real estate fund said that it was preparing to sell the former “black site” for an unknown price. This fund handles assets that are no longer needed by the state. It was a part of Washington’s secret 'extraordinary rendition' programme, where suspected Islamist militants from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were captured and held in jails outside the US. Also Read: Watch: US President Joe Biden calls reporter 'stupid son of a b****' on hot mic. Find out why The 10-room building served as a detention centre in 2005 and 2006 for the US. It was closed in 2006. It has windowless and soundproofed rooms. This facility has its own power generator and water supply. The now-empty rooms in this facility are dominated by fluorescent lighting and the hum of air conditioning. (With inputs from agencies)

A ‘black site’ to go up for sale in Lithuania. Find out what is it

Taiwan is in talks to set up a representative office in Slovenia. China has slammed the move as 'dangerous' and 'shocking'. Why are more Central and East European states picking Taiwan over China? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Slovenia joins Lithuania in taking on China

Amid China's unofficial trade blockade on Lithuania, Taiwan has announced a $200 million investment fund for the Baltic nation. Palki Sharma tells you what global powers can learn from this partnership.

Gravitas: Taiwan announces $200 million investment for Lithuania

Lithuania is doing what many so-called superpowers have failed to do. They invited Taiwan to open a de-facto embassy in Vilnius and is asking their citizens to dump Chinese phones. Palki Sharma tells you why this Baltic minnow is taking on Beijing.

Gravitas: Tiny Lithuania takes on China

Tensions between Lithuania and China are Also escalating. Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China.

China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history', but why?

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit. &nbsp;

At first, it downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation to below ambassador level. Then, to add to the coercion, China seems to have been threatening to send the nation to the 'garbage bin of history'. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-more-universities-remove-tiananmen-monuments-439556" hreflang="en">Hong Kong: More universities remove Tiananmen monuments</a>

"Lithuania stands on the opposite side of universal principles, which will never end well. Those, who insist on acting in collusion with Taiwan secessionist forces, will eventually be swept into the garbage bin of history," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters. Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said in its report. &nbsp;

Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-apologises-to-chinese-population-for-hurting-their-sentiments-over-xinjiang-comments-439553" hreflang="en">Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments</a>

At that time, the foreign ministry had said that relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In a diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan had opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move was a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit.

Lithuania’s decision to let Taiwan open a representative office in its country some time back seems to have not gone down well with China. The Asian giant seems to be making concerted efforts to take stringent action to ensure other nations do not follow suit. At first, it downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation to below ambassador level. Then, to add to the coercion, China seems to have been threatening to send the nation to the 'garbage bin of history'. Also Read | Hong Kong: More universities remove Tiananmen monuments "Lithuania stands on the opposite side of universal principles, which will never end well. Those, who insist on acting in collusion with Taiwan secessionist forces, will eventually be swept into the garbage bin of history," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters. Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said in its report. Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. Also Read: Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments At that time, the foreign ministry had said that relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official. In a diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan had opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move was a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

China looks to send Lithuania to 'garbage bin of history'. Find out why?

Lithuania&nbsp;will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific.

China downgraded diplomatic ties with&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there.&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;has formal relations with China and not Taiwan.

Beijing views democratically-governed Taiwan as a province, and&nbsp;Lithuanian officials say China has also sought to inflict pain such as cutting trade links in retaliation for its decision.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-petroleum-dealers-launch-nationwide-strike-against-lower-profit-margins-431887">Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins</a>

Landsbergis told Reuters in an interview in Washington that such losses would be short-lived as&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;was working to make its supply chains less dependent on China.

"In the short term, it is painful for any country when your contracts are cut," Landsbergis said. "But it is short term, because markets adapt. Companies adapt."

Landsbergis said China had not only cut links with&nbsp;Lithuanian companies, but had approached companies in third countries to press them not to do business with&nbsp;Lithuania.

"So much of what we produce is partially produced with, or within, China. This is why we need to find ways to create supply chains and how to make them more resilient so they can withstand this coercion, the cutting of contracts, the secondary sanctions," Landsbergis said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/entire-nation-is-crying-maryam-nawaz-slams-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-421413">'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

He said&nbsp;Lithuania&nbsp;would provide a model for countries on how to withstand such pressure, but European nations in particular should become more involved in the Indo-Pacific to enhance their economic security.

"We have to understand that every country now is involved in the Indo-Pacific," Landsbergis said.

"Some of our NATO allies are taking big responsibility in the region, offering security guarantees to countries, and that means that we also have to at least have an understanding of what's going on, or probably play some part in this," he said.

Landsbergis met earlier with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who according to a State Department statement, underscored "ironclad U.S. solidarity" with its NATO ally.

Sherman welcomed&nbsp;Lithuania, a country of about three million, expanding ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific.

Washington has sought to carve out more space for Taiwan in the international system, one of the main factors in increasingly sour relations with Beijing. Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said last week that U.S. attempts to expand cooperation with its partners and allies in the region were causing China "heartburn." Beijing described the moves as Cold War thinking.

Lithuania will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific.

Lithuania will adapt to "short-term" economic pain dealt by China over its moves to enhance ties with Taiwan, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said on Wednesday, while urging Europe to brace against Beijing's economic "coercion" by getting more involved in the Indo-Pacific. China downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania on Sunday over the Baltic country's move to allow self-ruled Taiwan to open a de facto embassy there. Lithuania has formal relations with China and not Taiwan. Beijing views democratically-governed Taiwan as a province, and Lithuanian officials say China has also sought to inflict pain such as cutting trade links in retaliation for its decision. ALSO READ | Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins Landsbergis told Reuters in an interview in Washington that such losses would be short-lived as Lithuania was working to make its supply chains less dependent on China. "In the short term, it is painful for any country when your contracts are cut," Landsbergis said. "But it is short term, because markets adapt. Companies adapt." Landsbergis said China had not only cut links with Lithuanian companies, but had approached companies in third countries to press them not to do business with Lithuania. "So much of what we produce is partially produced with, or within, China. This is why we need to find ways to create supply chains and how to make them more resilient so they can withstand this coercion, the cutting of contracts, the secondary sanctions," Landsbergis said. ALSO READ | 'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan He said Lithuania would provide a model for countries on how to withstand such pressure, but European nations in particular should become more involved in the Indo-Pacific to enhance their economic security. "We have to understand that every country now is involved in the Indo-Pacific," Landsbergis said. "Some of our NATO allies are taking big responsibility in the region, offering security guarantees to countries, and that means that we also have to at least have an understanding of what's going on, or probably play some part in this," he said. Landsbergis met earlier with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who according to a State Department statement, underscored "ironclad U.S. solidarity" with its NATO ally. Sherman welcomed Lithuania, a country of about three million, expanding ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific. Washington has sought to carve out more space for Taiwan in the international system, one of the main factors in increasingly sour relations with Beijing. Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said last week that U.S. attempts to expand cooperation with its partners and allies in the region were causing China "heartburn." Beijing described the moves as Cold War thinking.

Lithuania urges Europe to increase Indo-Pacific ties in face of Chinese 'coercion'

Amid the worsening diplomatic ties of a Taiwan de facto embassy row, Lithuania has expressed its regret over China's decision to downgrade ties.

Taiwan de facto embassy: China accuses Lithuania of undermining its sovereignty

After Taiwan was allowed to open a representative office in Lithuania, China downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation on Sunday to below ambassador level. &nbsp;

Beijing claims Taiwan, the island democracy, as part of its own territory. &nbsp;

Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-tolerate-taiwans-independence-says-china-430759" hreflang="en">Won't tolerate Taiwan's independence, says China</a>

Relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official, said the foreign ministry said on Sunday. &nbsp;

In a diplomatic breakthrough recently, Taiwan opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move is a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Breaking free from tradition, the Chinese-claimed island has used its own name for its operation in Vilnius. It is Taiwan's first new diplomatic outpost in Europe in 18 years. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-vaccinated-over-75-of-its-population-amid-a-surge-in-cases-430861" hreflang="en">China has vaccinated over 75% of its population amid a surge in cases</a>

Taiwan's foreign ministry had said the opening of the office would "charter a new and promising course" for ties between it and Lithuania. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are very happy that we have the opportunity to be a facilitator and promoter for the relations between Taiwan and Lithuania," said Eric Huang, Taipei's chief of mission in neighbouring Latvia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After Taiwan was allowed to open a representative office in Lithuania, China downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation on Sunday to below ambassador level.

After Taiwan was allowed to open a representative office in Lithuania, China downgraded its official relations with the Baltic nation on Sunday to below ambassador level. Beijing claims Taiwan, the island democracy, as part of its own territory. Earlier, China had also expelled the ambassador of Lithuania and withdrew its own envoy to the country. Also Read: Won't tolerate Taiwan's independence, says China Relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, an embassy's No 2 official, said the foreign ministry said on Sunday. In a diplomatic breakthrough recently, Taiwan opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania. The move is a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. Breaking free from tradition, the Chinese-claimed island has used its own name for its operation in Vilnius. It is Taiwan's first new diplomatic outpost in Europe in 18 years. Also Read: China has vaccinated over 75% of its population amid a surge in cases Taiwan's foreign ministry had said the opening of the office would "charter a new and promising course" for ties between it and Lithuania. "We are very happy that we have the opportunity to be a facilitator and promoter for the relations between Taiwan and Lithuania," said Eric Huang, Taipei's chief of mission in neighbouring Latvia. (With inputs from agencies)

After Taiwan opens de-facto embassy, China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania

In a diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan has opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania, brushing aside Beijing’s anger and strong opposition to the move.

Lithuania: Taiwan opens De Facto embassy, China condemns move, calls it 'egregious'

Taiwan has opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania in a diplomatic breakthrough. The move is a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing.

Breaking free from tradition, the Chinese-claimed island has used its own name for its operation in Vilnius. It is Taiwan's first new diplomatic outpost in Europe in 18 years.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said the opening of the office would "charter a new and promising course" for ties between it and Lithuania.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-pressure-on-nations-to-not-recognise-taiwan-as-a-country-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-tells-wion-336966">Also read |&nbsp;China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION</a>

"We are very happy that we have the opportunity to be a facilitator and promoter for the relations between Taiwan and Lithuania," said Eric Huang, Taipei's chief of mission in neighbouring Latvia.

"We will not emphasise too much about the geopolitical context. As the representative office of my country, what I am focused on is to promote a substantive relationship."

Ever since Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping came to power, international support for Taiwan has grown.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-raises-taiwan-issue-during-virtual-meet-xi-warns-dont-play-with-fire-429694">Also read |&nbsp;Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire'</a>

The opening of the Vilnius office is the latest sign that some Baltic and central European countries are seeking closer relations with Taiwan, even if that angers China.

In response, China has demanded that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador to Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy in Vilnius after Taiwan.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize, by force if needed.&nbsp;

However, President Tsai Ing-wen has said Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and not part of "one China."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Taiwan has opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania in a diplomatic breakthrough. The move is a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. Breaking free from tradition, the Chinese-claimed island has used its own name for its operation in Vilnius.

Taiwan has opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania in a diplomatic breakthrough. The move is a significant departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing. Breaking free from tradition, the Chinese-claimed island has used its own name for its operation in Vilnius. It is Taiwan's first new diplomatic outpost in Europe in 18 years. Taiwan's foreign ministry said the opening of the office would "charter a new and promising course" for ties between it and Lithuania. Also read | China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION "We are very happy that we have the opportunity to be a facilitator and promoter for the relations between Taiwan and Lithuania," said Eric Huang, Taipei's chief of mission in neighbouring Latvia. "We will not emphasise too much about the geopolitical context. As the representative office of my country, what I am focused on is to promote a substantive relationship." Ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power, international support for Taiwan has grown. Also read | Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire' The opening of the Vilnius office is the latest sign that some Baltic and central European countries are seeking closer relations with Taiwan, even if that angers China. In response, China has demanded that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador to Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy in Vilnius after Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize, by force if needed. However, President Tsai Ing-wen has said Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and not part of "one China." (With inputs from agencies)

In diplomatic breakthrough, Taiwan opens representative office in Lithuania

Lithuania builds border barrier amid new migrant crisis. Lithuania claimed Belarus was flying migrants to the country from abroad and allowing them to cross the land border.

Lithuania builds laser walls against migrants

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices.

China demanded in August that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador in Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy to Vilnius after Taiwan announced that its office in Vilnius would be called the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-pressure-on-nations-to-not-recognise-taiwan-as-a-country-foreign-minister-joseph-wu-tells-wion-336966">China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION</a>

Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, which China claims as its own territory.

Lithuania said earlier this year it planned to open a representative office in Taiwan, a decision that also angered Beijing.

China "resolutely opposes" official contacts between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and authorities in Taiwan, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement on its website.

"We urge the Lithuanian government to abide by the solemn political commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China and not to make irreversible wrong decisions," Wang said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-no-right-to-join-united-nations-china-lashes-out-at-us-424497">'Taiwan has no right to join United Nations,' China lashes out at US</a>

"The European side should adopt a correct position and prevent interference with the healthy development of China-EU relations."

China's Xinhua official news agency said Wang`s comments followed a joint letter from the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission expressing concern over China's criticisms of the representative offices.

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices.

China on Saturday warned Lithuania and European officials not to disrupt ties over decisions by Taiwan and the Baltic country to open reciprocal representative offices. China demanded in August that Lithuania withdraw its ambassador in Beijing and said it would recall China's envoy to Vilnius after Taiwan announced that its office in Vilnius would be called the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania. Also Read | China puts pressure on nations to not recognise Taiwan as a country: Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tells WION Other Taiwan offices in Europe and the United States use the name of the city Taipei, avoiding a reference to the island itself, which China claims as its own territory. Lithuania said earlier this year it planned to open a representative office in Taiwan, a decision that also angered Beijing. China "resolutely opposes" official contacts between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and authorities in Taiwan, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement on its website. "We urge the Lithuanian government to abide by the solemn political commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China and not to make irreversible wrong decisions," Wang said. Also Read | 'Taiwan has no right to join United Nations,' China lashes out at US "The European side should adopt a correct position and prevent interference with the healthy development of China-EU relations." China's Xinhua official news agency said Wang`s comments followed a joint letter from the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission expressing concern over China's criticisms of the representative offices.

China warns Lithuania, European officials over Taiwan row

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Lithuania`s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Saturday, weeks after China threatened to withdraw its ambassador to Vilnius and asked the latter to recall their envoy from Beijing.

“Blinken and Gabrielius Landsbergis agreed that China’s unilateral aggressive actions and political pressure on Lithuania were totally unacceptable,” Reuters quoted a statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry published on Sunday.

However, the statement did not dwell into the specifics of the “bilateral action”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-lithuanias-envoy-to-leave-beijing-over-taiwan-row-404881">Also read |&nbsp;China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row</a>

In a separate statement, the US department of state said, “Blinken underscored ironclad US solidarity with our NATO ally and EU partner Lithuania in the face of the People`s Republic of China`s coercive behaviour.”

The row between China and Lithuania erupted last month when Taiwan, which China considers to be a part of its territory under its One Country, Two Systems’ policy, said it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name of ‘Taiwan’ instead of ‘Taipei’ — an act Beijing considers as a diplomatic insult.

Protesting the move, China asked Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing.

However, Lithuania's foreign ministry expressed regret over Beijing's decision.

“While respecting the principle of one China, (Lithuania) is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan,” the ministry said in a statement.

The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and main supplier of arms, according to Reuters.

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country.

The United States has agreed on “bilateral coordination action” to help Lithuania withstand the diplomatic onslaught from China after it allowed Taiwan to establish an embassy under its own name in the Baltic country. US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with Lithuania`s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on Saturday, weeks after China threatened to withdraw its ambassador to Vilnius and asked the latter to recall their envoy from Beijing. “Blinken and Gabrielius Landsbergis agreed that China’s unilateral aggressive actions and political pressure on Lithuania were totally unacceptable,” Reuters quoted a statement from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry published on Sunday. However, the statement did not dwell into the specifics of the “bilateral action”. Also read | China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row In a separate statement, the US department of state said, “Blinken underscored ironclad US solidarity with our NATO ally and EU partner Lithuania in the face of the People`s Republic of China`s coercive behaviour.” The row between China and Lithuania erupted last month when Taiwan, which China considers to be a part of its territory under its One Country, Two Systems’ policy, said it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name of ‘Taiwan’ instead of ‘Taipei’ — an act Beijing considers as a diplomatic insult. Protesting the move, China asked Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing. However, Lithuania's foreign ministry expressed regret over Beijing's decision. “While respecting the principle of one China, (Lithuania) is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan,” the ministry said in a statement. The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and main supplier of arms, according to Reuters.

US, Lithuania agree on ‘bilateral coordination action’ against China over Taiwan row

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-unjust-justin-trudeau-slams-chinas-jail-sentence-for-canadian-michael-spavor-404592">China</a> demanded&nbsp;Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing.

Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire.

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it intends to unify with the mainland by force if necessary. China's foreign ministry said the move "severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-to-open-representative-office-in-lithuania-399295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-backs-chinas-anti-sanctions-law-404412">China</a> asked Lithuania "not to move further down the wrong path" while asking it to "rectify its wrong decision".

Lithuania however said it is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan while saying that it "respects the principle of One-China".

The European Union&nbsp;backed Lithuania and asserted that it did not view the opening of a representative office in or from Taiwan as a breach of the EU's One-China policy.

"This is the first time China has recalled an ambassador in an EU member state for opening or maintaining an office in Taiwan," the EU said.

Lithuania has also promised to send 20,000 coronavirus vaccine&nbsp;doses to Taiwan as it seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lithuania earlier had also decided to quit China's 17+1 cooperation forum with central and eastern European states.

Lithuania's ambassador to China Diana Mickeviciene confirmed China's intention as the Communist Party decided to recall the Chinese envoy to Lithuania.

Mickeviciene had just arrived in the country as Chinese officials asked her to leave amid the row over Taiwan. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, China demanded Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing. Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire.

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in the country, China demanded Lithuania recall its envoy to Beijing. Taiwan had said last month it was setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name "Taiwan" instead of "Taipei" attracting China's ire. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it intends to unify with the mainland by force if necessary. China's foreign ministry said the move "severely undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Watch: China asked Lithuania "not to move further down the wrong path" while asking it to "rectify its wrong decision". Lithuania however said it is determined to develop mutually beneficial relations with Taiwan while saying that it "respects the principle of One-China". The European Union backed Lithuania and asserted that it did not view the opening of a representative office in or from Taiwan as a breach of the EU's One-China policy. "This is the first time China has recalled an ambassador in an EU member state for opening or maintaining an office in Taiwan," the EU said. Lithuania has also promised to send 20,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to Taiwan as it seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lithuania earlier had also decided to quit China's 17+1 cooperation forum with central and eastern European states. Lithuania's ambassador to China Diana Mickeviciene confirmed China's intention as the Communist Party decided to recall the Chinese envoy to Lithuania. Mickeviciene had just arrived in the country as Chinese officials asked her to leave amid the row over Taiwan. (With inputs from Agencies)

China asks Lithuania's envoy to leave Beijing over Taiwan row

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus.

President Gitanas Nauseda signed off on the legislation but called it "flawed" and asked for parliament to amend it later this year.

Nauseda said that vetoing the law altogether would have sent a "completely unacceptable signal to the countries of origin".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-to-open-representative-office-in-lithuania-399295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The law allows for migrants to be detained for up to six months and makes it harder for them to appeal against asylum rejections.

"Today we have the law which violates fundamental principles of human rights and humanity," Akvile Krisciunaite, a researcher at Diversity Development Group, told AFP.

"Human rights are the same for everyone, whether we are talking about migrants or Lithuanian citizens."

The government has said the law will allow asylum claims to be processed in 10 days in order to swiftly separate genuine refugees from economic migrants.

Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Iraq last week to persuade the country to establish an effective readmission policy, but he said Baghdad was "cautious" about the matter.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lithuania-accused-belarus-of-using-refugees-and-illegal-migrants-as-political-weapon-397968/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Baltic EU member state has seen more than 2,200 arrivals since the start of the year across the border from Belarus.

Lithuanian officials suspect that the influx is being orchestrated by the Russia-backed Belarusian regime as a form of retaliation against EU sanctions, calling it "hybrid aggression".

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus.

Lithuania on Wednesday adopted a law that restricts migrants rights and speeds up asylum claims, following a spike in arrivals from Africa and the Middle East via Belarus. President Gitanas Nauseda signed off on the legislation but called it "flawed" and asked for parliament to amend it later this year. Nauseda said that vetoing the law altogether would have sent a "completely unacceptable signal to the countries of origin". The law allows for migrants to be detained for up to six months and makes it harder for them to appeal against asylum rejections. "Today we have the law which violates fundamental principles of human rights and humanity," Akvile Krisciunaite, a researcher at Diversity Development Group, told AFP. "Human rights are the same for everyone, whether we are talking about migrants or Lithuanian citizens." The government has said the law will allow asylum claims to be processed in 10 days in order to swiftly separate genuine refugees from economic migrants. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Iraq last week to persuade the country to establish an effective readmission policy, but he said Baghdad was "cautious" about the matter. The Baltic EU member state has seen more than 2,200 arrivals since the start of the year across the border from Belarus. Lithuanian officials suspect that the influx is being orchestrated by the Russia-backed Belarusian regime as a form of retaliation against EU sanctions, calling it "hybrid aggression".

Lithuania adopts law restricting migrant rights

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