US Supports EU and Lithuania in Conflict with China | News from Germany on world events

The administration of US President Joseph Biden has expressed support for Lithuania and the EU in the trade conflict with China, which is accused of economic pressure on Vilnius against the background of the latter’s position on Taiwan. United States Trade Representative Catherine Tai discussed this issue with European Commission (EC) Deputy Chairman Valdis Dombrovskis. This was reported on Friday, January 7, at Tai’s office.

Support from the EU Council – US Trade and Technology Council

“Representative Tai stressed the importance of working with the European Union and its member states to address the issue of” China’s diplomatic and economic pressure, “the statement said. It also emphasizes that support will be provided to the Lithuanian side through various channels, including the EU-US Trade and Technology Council.

Prior to that, on January 5, Katherine Tai discussed this topic by telephone with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielus Landsbergis.

Diplomatic conflict between Lithuania and China

A sharp deterioration in relations between Lithuania and China began after the opening of an official representative office of Taiwan in Vilnius. Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be its territory, saw this as interference in internal affairs, protested to Vilnius, recalled its ambassador and offered Lithuania to do the same. On November 21, 2021, the PRC government decided to lower diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the level of chargé d’affaires, and a few days later changed the status of the Chinese diplomatic mission in Vilnius from the embassy to the PRC representation.

In addition, Beijing used economic levers of pressure on Vilnius: it suspended freight rail transportation to Lithuania, and reduced the credit limit for Lithuanian enterprises operating in the Chinese market.

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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Artificial island diplomacy
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Author: Rodion Ebbighausen, Alexander Delfinov