Lithuania, a small yet influential member of the European Union, finds itself among an exclusive trio of EU nations—alongside Sweden and the Czech Republic—excluded from China’s recent visa-free entry scheme. This snub is result of its stand over Taiwan.
Lithuania’s Strained Ties with China leads to Snub
This omission, analysts say, stems from Lithuania’s diplomatic stance on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, as well as broader tensions over political and economic policies.
China’s unilateral visa-free scheme, which currently allows citizens from 32 European nations to visit without a visa for up to 30 days, has notably excluded Lithuania. This move reflects Beijing’s dissatisfaction with what it perceives as Lithuania’s unfriendly policies. The Lithuanian government’s decisions, particularly regarding Taiwan, have made it a target of Beijing’s diplomatic ire.
In 2021, Lithuania broke ranks with the EU’s cautious approach to Taiwan, allowing the island to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius under the name “The Taiwanese Representative Office.” This bold move defied the precedent of referring to Taiwan’s offices as “Taipei Representative Offices” to sidestep implications of recognizing Taiwan as an independent state. Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, reacted furiously, downgrading diplomatic ties with Lithuania and imposing trade restrictions.
The Fallout of Supporting Taiwan
Lithuania’s support for Taiwan has gone beyond mere symbolic gestures. The establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius marked a significant shift in European-Taiwan relations, with Lithuania positioning itself as a champion of democratic values and sovereignty.
This decision, however, has cost Lithuania economically. Beijing imposed a series of trade barriers on Lithuanian goods, effectively severing economic ties. Yet, Lithuania has remained steadfast in its stance, drawing praise from allies such as the United States and Taiwan but further deepening its rift with China.
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Earlier this year, Lithuania escalated tensions by declaring three staff members of Beijing’s representative office as “personae non gratae.” The move, which required the diplomats to leave the country within a week, was condemned by Beijing as an unjustified violation of the one-China principle.
These actions have led to a diplomatic freeze between the two nations. For Beijing, Lithuania’s decisions undermine its territorial claims over Taiwan and disrupt its broader diplomatic objectives in Europe. By excluding Lithuania from its visa-free scheme, China sends a clear message: nations that challenge its policies on Taiwan will face consequences.
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A Broader Pattern of Punishment
Lithuania’s exclusion from the visa-free list is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend. Sweden and the Czech Republic have also faced similar treatment, with analysts pointing to their respective stances on technology, security, and Taiwan as key factors.
For Lithuania, its position in the Baltic region and its alignment with the West have placed it at odds with China’s geopolitical strategies. The Lithuanian government’s departure from China’s “17+1” cooperation framework in 2021 signaled its rejection of Beijing’s economic influence in Eastern Europe. The decision was followed by Lithuania’s increased engagement with Taiwan and the United States, further solidifying its opposition to China’s policies.
Beijing’s response has been to isolate Lithuania diplomatically and economically. The visa-free exclusion is another tool in China’s arsenal, aimed at reducing people-to-people exchanges and signaling its disapproval to other nations considering similar policies.
Lithuania’s Response and Future Outlook
Despite the mounting pressure, Lithuania has remained resolute. It continues to support Taiwan and uphold democratic values, even at the expense of economic opportunities with China. Lithuania’s position has earned it respect among like-minded democracies, but it has also drawn criticism from some quarters for escalating tensions unnecessarily.
The exclusion from China’s visa-free scheme may have limited direct impact on Lithuanian citizens, as the country has relatively low levels of tourism to China. However, it highlights the growing divide between Lithuania and Beijing, a divide that shows no signs of narrowing.
Lithuania’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other nations navigating the complexities of relations with China. As Beijing leverages its visa policies to reward allies and punish adversaries, countries must weigh the costs of standing up to China against the benefits of maintaining harmonious relations.
For now, Lithuania appears committed to its path, choosing principles over economic pragmatism. While this decision may limit its access to China, it strengthens its standing as a defender of democratic values in the face of authoritarianism.
