Lithuanian Prime Minister Aims to Restore Diplomatic Ties with China

Introduction

Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas has announced plans to restore diplomatic relations with China, signaling a desire to resolve the ongoing tensions that have existed since 2021. This announcement comes as the European Union seeks to strengthen its economic ties with China amid escalating US-China relations.

Background on Strained Relations

Tensions between Lithuania and China began in 2021 when Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius under the name “Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.” This move drew significant ire from Beijing, which viewed it as a challenge to its "One China" principle and a potential endorsement of Taiwanese independence. In response, China recalled its ambassador from Vilnius and expelled Lithuania's ambassador to Beijing.

For nearly four years, diplomatic relations have been strained, with both countries recalling their ambassadors. Beijing has consistently called for Lithuania to change the name of Taiwan's office as a precondition for normalizing relations.

Paluckas' Position on Diplomatic Relations

During a press briefing on April 16, 2025, Prime Minister Paluckas emphasized the importance of Lithuania as an EU member state in China-Europe relations. He stated, "If the Chinese have interests or plans in the EU, Lithuania is one of the EU countries. Lithuania's voice in Europe is certainly not the last one, then China is also interested in having diplomatic relations with us."

Paluckas acknowledged the potential political consequences of aligning too closely with China but reiterated that restoring bilateral ties should be based on mutual respect and business rather than concessions. "We will not sacrifice anything as respectful bilateral relations are not based on sacrifice, humiliation, or demands to apologize, but on a very businesslike basis," he asserted.

Proposals for Normalization

To simplify the restoration of relations, Paluckas proposed that Lithuania send a representative to Beijing while inviting China's ambassador to Vilnius as a gesture of goodwill. He believes that this approach would facilitate a diplomatic thaw between the two nations.

Political Landscape in Lithuania

Paluckas, elected as prime minister following the Lithuanian parliamentary elections in October 2024, leads the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania. His government aims to rebuild ties with China, a goal previously articulated by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who suggested that changing the name of Taiwan's representative office could pave the way for improved relations.

However, there is significant domestic opposition to this approach. Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former foreign minister and leader of the Homeland Union – Lithuania's Christian Democrats, expressed strong objections. During a visit to Taiwan in January, Landsbergis characterized the potential change to Taiwan’s office name as an “enormous mistake,” demonstrating a divide in Lithuanian leadership regarding relations with China.

European Union Context

At the EU level, relations with China may be showing signs of improvement. Recent discussions have indicated a forthcoming EU-China summit, set for July 2025. These developments may also encourage a more favorable environment for Lithuania to negotiate its relationship with China.

Conclusion

As Lithuania's Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas moves forward with plans to restore ties with China, the situation remains delicate. Domestic political divisions and the broader EU-China context will play crucial roles in shaping the future of Lithuania's diplomatic relations with Beijing.