TAIPEI, Taiwan — On Monday, China expressed strong disapproval regarding Lithuania’s decision to expel three Chinese diplomats, marking yet another low point in the already strained relations between the two nations.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that Lithuania’s move to declare the diplomats persona non grata was made “without any reason,” as noted in a statement on the ministry’s official website.
“China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action,” the spokesperson stated, reiterating Beijing’s displeasure.
This diplomatic rift comes amidst ongoing investigations into a Chinese vessel’s alleged involvement in damaging two undersea data cables, one of which runs beneath the Baltic Sea and connects Lithuania to Sweden.
In response to the incident, Sweden has called upon China for assistance in clarifying the situation surrounding the ruptured cables.
On Friday, Lithuania informed Beijing of their decision to declare “three members of the non-accredited staff” from China’s diplomatic mission as persona non grata, requiring them to vacate the country within a week’s time.
While the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry did not disclose the identities of the diplomats or the reasons behind their expulsion, it mentioned adherence to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and relevant international laws.
When questioned for further details, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry directed inquiries back to its initial announcement, noting that decisions regarding the presence of other Chinese diplomatic staff in Lithuania would be made “in the near future.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Lithuania of disruptive actions that would further harm the bilateral relationship.
“China urges Lithuania to cease undermining its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to stop creating obstacles for the relationship between our countries,” the spokesperson added, while also noting that Beijing retains the right to respond with countermeasures.
Neither side’s foreign ministry made a direct comment regarding the Chinese ship involved in the undersea cable incident.
This diplomatic conflict surfaces three years after China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania in retaliation against the Baltic country’s decision to permit Taiwan, a self-governing island that China views as part of its territory, to establish a representative office.
China maintains a stance that regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and strongly discourages other nations from forming official relations with Taipei.