US lawmakers urge Lithuania to maintain 'bold path' on Taiwan

VILNIUS - Co-chairs of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus have urged Lithuanian leaders to continue their "bold path" in relations with Taiwan and resist pressure and coercion from China, in a joint letter.

"We urge you to continue bravely on this path and maintain close relations with Taiwan, which has been a reliable partner for our countries for decades," the letter, released on Monday, stated.

The letter was addressed to President Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius, Speaker of the Seimas Juozas Olekas, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys and Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas. It was signed by US Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Andy Barr, Ami Bera and Greg Stanton.

The lawmakers said China continues to pressure countries maintaining any form of relationship with Taiwan, but urged Vilnius to "consider the importance of maintaining relations with those who cherish democratic values." The letter also noted that China supports Russia's war against Ukraine, which contradicts European interests.

Lithuania's ruling coalition has recently spoken more actively about normalising diplomatic representation with China, though these efforts have yet to yield practical results.

The government programme of Sinkevicius promises to seek the normalisation of "diplomatic relations with China to a level of diplomatic representation equal to that of other EU member states."

Last week, following a meeting with Budrys, parliamentary speaker Olekas said he saw progress in efforts to normalise relations between Vilnius and Beijing.

Relations between Lithuania and China soured in 2021 after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius. In their letter, the US Congressional group praised Lithuania's decision to withdraw from the "17+1" format and emphasised that Lithuania has been among the most active European Union nations in resisting authoritarian influence.