China recalled its ambassador from Lithuania because of the decision of Vilnius to open Taiwan’s diplomatic representation in the country. This was reported in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the PRC, TASS reports.
“Lithuanian government, ignoring repeated diplomatic ideas and instructions of China for possible consequences, stated that the Taiwan administration will be allowed to create a representative office on behalf of Taiwan,” said the Chinese department. The Foreign Ministry stated that Beijing expressed Vilnius a decisive protest against the specified step. The Chinese side also turned to Lithuania with a request to withdraw its ambassador from the PRC.
Earlier, Taiwan Joseph Foreign Minister said that the island will open a representative office in the Lithuanian capital. In response, the Minister of Economy and Innovations Lithuania Aushrine Armonite stressed that Vilnius will open a sales office in Taiwan in the fall of the 2021th.
Beijing does not control Taiwan since 1949, when after losing in the Civil War, representatives of the Gomindan party moved there. At the same time, the Chinese authorities continue to count the island of their part.