Lithuania: Foreign Minister warns EU against China deals

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis criticised other EU member states for continuing to do business with China, BNS reported. Speaking after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Vilnius, Landsbergis noted that Lithuania was an example that it was “possible to survive without Russian gas and Chinese contracts.” He warned Lithuania’s partners and friends against signing new deals with China, insisting that diversification and new partnerships ensured more sustainable and higher long-term return. Landsbergis urged the EU to forge a common strategy towards China. Campbell expressed admiration for Lithuania’s resilience amid Chinese pressure following the opening of a de facto Taiwanese embassy in Vilnius. He noted that some European partners were sending “mixed messages” to China.