Return to one-China principle, Beijing tells Lithuania

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Thursday urged Lithuania to correct its stance and adhere to the one-China principle.

Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said Lithuania should "correct its mistakes and return to the right track of the one-China principle."

His remarks came in response to a question whether Beijing had normalized its trade relations with the Baltic nation since it had opened its representative office in Taiwan, Beijing-based daily Global Times reported.

China's Commerce Ministry also said Lithuania should "create a favorable condition for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries” and abandon “erroneous behaviors on Taiwan-related issues."

The issue is affecting the trust of enterprises in both countries in “mutually beneficial” operations, the ministry said.

Lithuania formally began operations in Taipei after launching its trade office last year in Taiwan, the self-ruled nation that China claims as its “breakaway province.”

Taipei, however, has pushed back such claims insisting on its independence since 1949, enjoying full diplomatic relations with at least 13 nations.

China downgraded its diplomatic relations with Lithuania, recalled its ambassador from Vilnius, and asked the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry to change its own diplomatic mission to the charge d’affaires level.