China Warns of Economic Retaliation Against Lithuania

▲Zhao Lijian, Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] China has announced strong economic retaliation against Lithuania, which downgraded diplomatic relations over the Taiwan issue.

On the 24th, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that when asked whether punitive measures would be taken against Lithuania in the economic and trade sectors, "They committed a mistake and must pay the price."

He added, "Lithuania betrayed trust and knowingly committed a wrong," strongly criticizing, "They openly created a 'One China, One Taiwan' situation, setting a bad precedent internationally."

He also emphasized, "China has already stated several times that it will take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect core interests."

Recently, China downgraded diplomatic relations with Lithuania from ambassadorial to charg? d'affaires level as a retaliatory measure after Lithuania allowed the establishment of a 'Taiwan Representative Office,' equivalent to a Taiwanese embassy.

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