Taiwan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned China's demand that Lithuania adopt its 'one China' doctrine, calling it a form of bullying and an attempt to brainwash the international community.
Beijing said on Friday it was ready for talks with Lithuania if the Baltic state 'corrects its mistake' and returns to the 'one China' principle. The comment came after Lithuanian government officials suggested it was a mistake to name Taiwan's Vilnius office "Taiwan Mission" after the office opened in 2021. China recalled its ambassador, downgraded diplomatic relations and imposed trade sanctions on Lithuania. Taiwan's missions in other European countries usually include "Taipei" in their names, rather than "Taiwan." Foreign Ministry spokesman Xiao Kuan-wei said on Saturday that the "one-China principle" was merely Beijing's unilateral stance. "China's unrealistic demands cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country," he added.
Beijing's long-standing disregard for the international order and its interference in relations between Taiwan and the international community are the real causes of regional tensions, Xiao said.
Taiwan will continue its close cooperation with Lithuania to promote regional peace and stability, the spokesman said.