A statement by the chairs of 14 foreign affairs committee in the EU, the U.K. and U.S. supporting Taiwan-Lithuania ties is warmly welcomed by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 27.
Signed by chairs from the Czech Republic, Estonia, European Parliament, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, the U.K. and U.S., the statement strongly condemns diplomatic, economic and political pressure ratcheted up on the Baltic state by China.
According to the statement, Lithuania’s decision to withdraw from the 17 plus one group set up by China, as well as its intention to develop economic and cultural relations with Taiwan, are similar to the sovereign decision taken by other states.
The statement also backs the relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania, and urges the latter to stay the course in refusing to buckle in the face of China’s campaign of coercion.
Taiwan and Lithuania are like-minded partners sharing values such as freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law, the MOFA said. The government remains committed to deepening friendship and expanding exchanges with the EU member state despite China’s aggressive posturing and threats, the ministry added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “14 foreign affairs committee chairs can’t be wrong! The truth is they’re right to state strong support for #Lithuania as it cultivates ties with #Taiwan. They’re also right to urge their governments, the #EU & other partners to back our Baltic friend. We salute one & all!” (SFC-E)
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