China has stopped further Lithuanian goods from being imported.
(Photo: dpa)
Beijing/Taipei Against the background of the diplomatic dispute with Lithuania over the status of Taiwan, China has further intensified the trade dispute with the Baltic state. Chinese customs also stopped imports of beef, dairy products and alcohol from the EU member state, according to their own statements and media reports on Friday. The escalation followed the European Union launching a case against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) two weeks ago. The reason is previous trade restrictions that Beijing has already issued against Lithuania.
China is upset because the Baltic state upgraded its ties with Taiwan. He enabled the democratic island republic to open a representative office under its own name in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. China protested because it does not see Taiwan as an independent state but as part of the People’s Republic and seeks to isolate it internationally. In response, Beijing downgraded diplomatic relations with Lithuania in November, withdrew its ambassador and has been represented by only one chargé d’affaires since then.
Chinese customs gave no reason for the beef import ban. However, the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post quoted a letter from customs that Lithuanian authorities had provided insufficient information on beef and dairy products. It was also noted that complaints had been received about expiry dates for Lithuanian beer. Lithuanian exporters had previously reported being removed from China’s customs system and unable to fulfill deliveries.
Taiwan’s government has condemned Chinese pressure on Lithuania, accusing Beijing of “harassment” that disrupts the world trading system. China’s foreign ministry spokesman dismissed the allegations of coercive measures as baseless. Instead, Lithuania should “correct its mistakes” and recognize the “one China principle” pursued by Beijing.
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More: With the actual boycott of Lithuania, China alienated the EU for the second time in a very short time. In addition, the procedure unsettles the economy.