Taiwan to assist Lithuania in switching market from China and expand own supply chain

Taiwan has indicated that it will assist Lithuania in shifting its market away from China and expanding its supply chain security with democratic allies, according to various media reports. On December 29, foreign ministers of France, Germany, and United Kingdom held a telephone conference with US Secretary Antony Blinken and all stressed ir support for Lithuania as it faces China’s threats, according to Taiwan News. four countries said y would stand with Lithuania, which has faced coercion from China in several ways after strengning ties with Taiwan, US State Department h said in a statement.

“We firmly believe that Taiwan, Lithuania, and all those who support relationship between two countries are on right side of history and that democracy will prevail,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson Joanne Ou said.

Taiwan's MOFA, Joanne Ou, furr complimented foreign ministers and Lithuania for ir moral courage in maintaining democratic norms. She urged or democratic countries to come to Baltic country's aid. Moreover, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry stated that in October, it sent an economic and tre team to Lithuania and inked six memorandums of understanding (MOU).

According to Taiwan News, Taiwan also assisted Lithuanian enterprises in participating in this year's Food Taipei expo. It came as Baltic nation faced Chinese threats, and Beijing's antagonism against country grew after it permitted Taiwan to build a representative office in Lithuania. office serves as Taiwan's ambassor.

Baltic nation needs backing from West

Baltic nation needs backing from West and or foreign powers to stand up to and oppose Chinese aggression, according to Hill. Lithuania has supported Taiwan against China by allowing Taipei to open an embassy in country. Taiwan was granted permission to open a representative office in Vilnius, equivalent of an embassy, in late November by Lithuania. 

Communist dictatorship in China was enraged by Lithuania's decision and launched an attack on country. This act creates false impression of 'one China, one Taiwan' in world, flagrantly violating one-China principle, China's Foreign Affairs Ministry said, ding that decision undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as interfering grossly in China's internal affairs, ANI reported. Even Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect its national sovereignty and that Lithuanian side would be accountable for any consequences that resulted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Image: AP