China has strongly condemned Lithuania’s recent decision to demand that Chinese diplomatic personnel leave the country. In a statement released on Monday, a spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry expressed firm rejection of what they termed as a “wanton and provocative action” by the Lithuanian government.
Last week, Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry declared certain Chinese diplomats in the Office of the Charge d’Affaires as “persona non grata,” requiring them to depart within a specified timeframe. China’s spokesperson criticized this move, stating that it lacked any valid reason.
“On issues concerning China’s Taiwan region, Lithuania has severely violated the one-China principle,” the spokesperson noted. “This breach of political commitment has caused significant difficulties in our bilateral relations.”
Relations between China and Lithuania have been strained for the past three years following the downgrade of diplomatic ties. The recent actions by Lithuania are seen by China as further exacerbating these tensions.
China has urged Lithuania to halt actions that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We hope the upcoming new government of Lithuania will adhere to the international consensus, abide by the one-China principle, and create conditions favorable for normalizing China-Lithuania relations,” the spokesperson added.
The spokesperson also mentioned that China reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania.
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China condemns Lithuania's demand for Chinese diplomats to leave
cgtn.com
