US lawmakers urge Lithuania to resist China's pressure, stand firm with Taiwan

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has formally called on Lithuania's government to stand firm against Chinese pressure and continue fostering substantive relations with Taiwan. The appeal comes from four co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, who sent a joint letter to key Lithuanian leaders.

The letter, made public by Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, also co-signed by Representatives Ami Bera, Greg Stanton, and Andy Barr, stresses the importance of democratic nations uniting in the face of authoritarian intimidation. The lawmakers praised Lithuania's historical actions against authoritarianism and its consistent support for freedom and democracy, particularly its backing of Taiwan amid Chinese bullying.

They specifically commended Lithuania's 2022 withdrawal from the China-led "17+1" cooperation mechanism, which they described as a tool for China to divide transatlantic alliances. The U.S. representatives acknowledged Lithuania's leading role among EU nations in opposing authoritarian influence, highlighted by its decision in 2021 to allow Taiwan to establish a representative office under the name "Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania."

The U.S. lawmakers directly addressed China's ongoing pressure on countries maintaining relations with Taiwan, urging Lithuania to carefully consider the importance of relationships with partners who share democratic values. They drew parallels between the situation in the Taiwan Strait and European security, noting China's continued support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which they stated runs counter to Europe's fundamental interests. The letter concludes with a sincere call for Lithuania to continue on its courageous path and maintain its substantive relationship with Taiwan, based on geopolitical and democratic principles.

This U.S. congressional intervention occurs as Lithuania's new government signals a potential shift towards normalizing relations with China, aiming to restore ambassador-level diplomatic ties. However, the government also hopes to achieve this without completely reversing its established pro-Taiwan policy.

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We sincerely urge your country to continue on this courageous path and maintain substantive relations with Taiwan.