Following China’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Lithuania in relation to close contacts with Taiwan, the US has stated that it supports Vilnius in the row and criticised China’s actions, US public broadcaster Voice of America reports.
The Lithuania-China ties have been strained for several years now, but they reached a new low after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open its representation in Vilnius.
Read also: Lithuania-China row intensifies as Vilnius recalls Ambassador for some time
On Wednesday, September 15, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis visited Washington and met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The meeting came after a call on August 21 in which Blinken «underscored ironclad U.S. solidarity» with Lithuania in the face of China’s «coercive behavior.»
«Lithuania and the United States are very strong partners in NATO. We stand together for collective defence and security. We stand against economic coercion, including that being exerted by China,» the US Secretary of State announced.
This Wednesday was also the United Nations’ International Day of Democracy. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis said it’s «truly symbolic» that the NATO allies «reaffirm our commitment to defend democracy, liberty, human rights across the globe», Voice of America reports.
Washington sides with Lithuania in its discord with China on Taiwan representation
