Lithuania is summoned by China’s charge d’affaires to discuss sanctions

Vilnius 19 August : Lithuania has summoned Chinas charge of affairs in Vilnius in protest against Beijings retaliation against Deputy Transport Minister Agne Vaiciukevicute in connection with her trip to Taiwan.

Beijing also has halted all kinds of exchanges with Lithuanias Transport and Communications Ministry "Chinas unilateral decision was not justified and violated international law as well as the sovereignty of Lithuania," the Foreign Ministry in Vilnius said on Thursday, urging Beijing to reverse its decision.A trade war had already broken out between Lithuania and China several months ago.Beijing reduced its diplomatic relations with the Baltic EU and NATO country after NATO permitted Taiwan to establish an office of representation under the name of its own in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.Lithuania plans to establish an official trade mission in Taiwans capital Taipei in the coming month.

The Chinese leadership is against official contacts from other nations with Taiwan since it regards Taiwan as a an integral part of the territory of China.On the other the other hand, Taiwan has long regarded its independence as a matter of course.

The tensions have increased recently because of the visit to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives.Just a few days later, Vaiciukevicute was on the island with an Lithuanian business delegation.