Vilnius, Lithuania – A developing internal debate within the Lithuanian government regarding the status of its representation office in Taiwan has been publicly addressed by President Gitanas Nausėda, who firmly opposed any unilateral alteration of the office’s name. The dispute centers on whether to revert to calling it the “Taipei Representative Office,” a move suggested by Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene as a potential means of easing strained relations with Beijing.
The current naming – “Taiwan Representative Office” – has been a point of contention with China since its establishment in 2021, prompting a significant diplomatic downgrade from Beijing. Ruginiene recently indicated that the initial decision to establish the office under its current name may have been premature, opening the door to discussions about a potential renaming. However, President Nausėda swiftly countered this suggestion on , stating unequivocally, “That is Taiwan’s representative office. its name is decided by Taiwan.”
Nausėda’s remarks, delivered after a high-level meeting focused on foreign policy and security, underscore the presidential office’s commitment to maintaining Lithuania’s existing policy towards Taiwan. He emphasized the symbolic importance of the office’s name as a representation of bilateral cooperation and stressed that any changes must be the result of mutual consultation, not imposed under external pressure. This divergence in opinion highlights differing approaches within the Lithuanian government regarding how to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape involving China and Taiwan.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the debate with a statement emphasizing the strength of its relationship with Lithuania, built on shared democratic values. The ministry affirmed that cooperation between the two nations has already yielded positive results in areas such as trade, technology and the semiconductor industry. It reiterated that the naming of the representative office is a bilateral matter, subject to negotiation under the framework of international law, and expressed confidence that dialogue would continue based on mutual trust.
According to the Taiwanese ministry, the issue of the office’s name has been discussed previously with Lithuanian officials, and they maintain that it was established through bilateral negotiation. They urged against overinterpretation of the current discussions, fearing it could negatively impact the friendly interactions between Lithuania and Taiwan. The ministry firmly stated that there are currently no discussions underway to change the office’s name and that future cooperation will continue to build on existing foundations.
China’s potential response to any shift in Lithuania’s policy remains a key consideration. Beijing has consistently expressed strong dissatisfaction with the establishment of the “Taiwan Representative Office,” viewing it as a violation of its “One China Principle.” In the past, this dissatisfaction has manifested in diplomatic downgrades and trade restrictions. While no new official statement has been issued regarding the recent discussions, observers anticipate that maintaining the current name could lead to continued pressure from China, while a policy adjustment might be perceived as a diplomatic concession by Beijing.
However, Lithuania’s foreign trade strategy is also constrained by its membership within the European Union, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The EU’s overall position on relations with China and Taiwan must be factored into any decision-making process.
Within Lithuania, differing viewpoints exist on how to best manage relations with both Taiwan and China. Some officials advocate for a more cautious approach, suggesting that revisiting details like the representative office’s name could create space for continued dialogue with Beijing. President Nausėda’s stance, however, reflects a commitment to upholding an independent foreign policy and resisting external pressure.
The situation underscores Lithuania’s delicate balancing act as it seeks to strengthen economic ties with Taiwan while simultaneously attempting to restore “normal diplomatic relations” with China. Nausėda emphasized this dual approach on , signaling a desire for both strengthened cooperation with Taipei and a return to more stable relations with Beijing. Analysts suggest that Lithuania’s actions are both symbolic and strategic, demonstrating support for Taiwan and democratic values while navigating the potential for diplomatic or economic repercussions from China. The ongoing trilateral dynamic will continue to be closely watched by international observers.
The Lithuanian President acknowledged that the economic potential of cooperation with Taiwan has not been fully realized since the opening of the representative office in Vilnius. He pointed to the laser industry as a particularly close area of cooperation, but noted that broader expectations had not been met, calling for “fewer declarations and more concrete commitments from both sides.”
