Slovenia’s PM urges EU to stand with Lithuania against Chinese pressure
The European Union must stand with Lithuania against Chinese pressure and not give in to trade threats, Slovenia’s prime minister said in a letter to fellow EU leaders, according to a copy seen by Reuters.
China’s decision to withdraw its ambassador to Lithuania over a dispute about Taiwan was “reprehensible” and would hurt EU-China ties, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whose country holds the six-month EU presidency, said in his Sept. 13 letter.
“We will be able to face China successfully only with a united, coherent and common approach,” Jansa wrote. “We must stand by every EU member state that is facing pressure.”
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Lithuania and Taiwan this year opened reciprocal representative offices in a sign of deepening relations.
China considers fiercely democratic, self-ruled Taiwan part of “one China,” to be united with the mainland eventually, and is regularly angered by any moves which suggest the island is a separate country.
Beijing recalled its ambassador from Vilnius and expelled Lithuania’s from Beijing. Lithuania recalled its ambassador in Beijing for consultations.
Lithuanian officials have also said that China has begun making trade with the Baltic state more difficult, stopping the approval of permits for food exports to China.
In his letter, Jansa said Taiwan “remains our important partner. This should not be denied.”
EU leaders are due to discuss their approach to China, the EU’s second-largest trading partner, at a summit dinner in Slovenia on Oct. 5, in a bind at what approach to take with a relationship that is becoming increasingly contentious.
EU diplomats in Brussels say China is seeking to divide the 27 countries to increase its influence and weaken its power in trade, business and politics. China denies any wrongdoing.
China views Taiwan as a wayward province and its “sacred” territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
Read more:
Lithuania allows in 5 Afghan asylum seekers but says it will not be migrant ‘channel’
US stresses support for Lithuania over China pressure
Taiwan eyes jet fighter buy amid modest hike in 2022 defense spending
-
US stresses support for Lithuania over China pressure
US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser spoke to Lithuania’s prime minister on Monday and stressed support for her country in the face of ... World News -
EU border agency to deploy guards to Lithuania-Belarus frontier from next week
European Union border agency Frontex will deploy 60 border guards to police Lithuania’s frontier with Belarus next week after a surge in migrants ... World News -
China rejects and deplores US-EU summit criticism
China said on Wednesday it rejects and deplores a joint statement made by the United States and the European Union that criticized China.For the ... World News -
Three US senators to visit Taiwan, trip likely to irritate China
Three US senators will visit Taiwan next week and will meet senior leaders to discuss security and other issues, the de facto US embassy in Taipei ... World News