China recalls envoy from Lithuania over allowing Taiwan to open office

China has recalled its Ambassador from Lithuania for its decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office under its name, a move that could cast a shadow on Beijing’s ties with the European Union.

China views Taiwan, an island which has been independent since 1950, as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland – by force if necessary.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that “the decision (to allow Taiwan to open a representative office under its name) brazenly violates the spirit of the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania and severely undermines China’’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

“The Chinese Government expresses its categorical opposition to this move. China has decided to recall its Ambassador to Lithuania and demanded the Lithuanian Government recall its Ambassador to China,” it said.

China has also told the “Lithuanian side that there is only one China in the world and the People’’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China”.

Lithuania also plans to open its representative trade office in Taiwan.

China claims that Taiwan is an integral part of it under the ‘One China’ policy and opposes any country granting diplomatic recognition to Taipei. It also resents any support to Taiwan.