Lithuania, traditionally recognized for its fine amber known as \"Lithuanian gold,\" has recently garnered international attention for actions diverging from its long-standing commitment to the one-China principle.
Sovereignty is Non-Negotiable
Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1991, the two nations enjoyed amicable ties. However, tensions escalated when Lithuania authorized the Taiwan region to open a de facto embassy in the country under the designation \"Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania\" in 2021. This was followed by the launch of the \"Lithuanian Trade Representative Office in Taiwan\" the subsequent year.
These initiatives suggest a stance that Taiwan operates independently of China, which contravenes the one-China principle that Lithuania upheld upon initiating diplomatic relations. In response, China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania to the charge d'affaires level, indicating a significant strain in their bilateral relations.
Historical records indicate that Taiwan has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times, with the Chinese central government asserting jurisdiction over the island as early as the mid-12th century. The civil war in China during the late 1940s and external interventions led to prolonged political confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. Despite these tensions, Taiwan's status within China's territory remains unchanged, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld.
The United Nations General Assembly's resolution 2758 in 1971 reaffirmed the one-China principle by restoring all rights of China at the UN to the People's Republic of China. This resolution has been the foundation of China's diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, including Lithuania, and is widely recognized as a fundamental norm governing international relations.
Reference(s):
Lithuania's bet against China does not serve its own interests
cgtn.com
