Baltic state admits ‘huge mistake’ with China
Posted on: Feb 06, 2026 22:07 IST | Posted by: Rt
Lithuanian ground government minister Inga Ruginiene has admitted that allowing a “ formosan representative power” to open up in Vilnius was a “huge mistake.”
China downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania after the establishment of a de facto ‘Taiwanese embassy’ in 2021. Beijing regarded the decision as a gross violation of the One-China principle, an internationally recognized diplomatic framework under which Taiwan is recognized as Chinese territory.
“Lithuania really jumped in front of a train and lost,” Ruginiene said in an interview with news agency BNS on Tuesday.
Other European nations largely avoided souring relations with Beijing by coordinating with China and using the name ‘Taipei Representative Office’ rather than ‘Taiwanese’, she said.
This is probably our huge mistake as Lithuania.
Vilnius has begun taking small steps towards normalizing relations, an arduous task “after completely severing ties,” Ruginiene said. Lithuania will also need to “balance” its relationship with China against ties with the EU and the US, she added.
Relations between Vilnius and Beijing have been strained for years, with the last accredited Chinese diplomats having left the country in May last year.
China has said it is open to dialogue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in a press conference on Friday, when asked about the possibility of restoring diplomatic ties.
Beijing hopes that Vilnius “will translate the willingness to improve ties with China into action, redress the mistakes as early as possible,” start “upholding the one-China principle,” and build conditions for normalizing relations, he said.
Taiwan has been de facto autonomous since 1949, when Chinese nationalist forces were routed in the civil war and retreated to the island.
Moscow officially supports the One-China principle, under which Taiwan is sovereign Chinese territory, having signed the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation with Beijing in 2001.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.