China recalls its ambassador to Lithuania

China today recalled its ambassador to Lithuania, in response to Vilnius’ move to set up a new diplomatic office in Taiwan.

Beijing is also demanding Lithuania recall its top envoy from China, according to a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, state media Xinhua reported.

“China solemnly declares to the world that there is only one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” the spokesperson said.

The escalation over Lithuania’s trade office in Taipei comes hot on the heels of another diplomatic tussle between Vilnius and Beijing. Lithuania has also quit China’s “17+1” platform for dealing with Central and Eastern European countries, and has criticized Beijing for causing disunity among EU countries.