Lithuania and China discuss restoring diplomatic representation

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry and a visiting Chinese delegation discussed restoring diplomatic representation in Beijing and Vilnius on Thursday, but agreed not to disclose details, LRT reported. The two sides agreed to continue consultations.

The ministry said the meeting was held at a working level. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys had said beforehand that no concrete decisions should be expected and that the outcome would help determine the next steps.

The Chinese delegation is visiting as Lithuania seeks to restore diplomatic representation in both countries. Relations were downgraded after Lithuania allowed the Taiwanese Representative Office to open in Vilnius. Beijing reduced its representation from ambassador to chargé d’affaires, while Lithuania declined to issue new accreditations to Chinese diplomats. No Chinese diplomats have been in Lithuania since May 2025.

The delegation includes Zheng Huiyu, deputy director general of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of European Affairs, and Fang Mei, an adviser to China’s Mission to the European Union and its representative for Lithuania.

Budrys has said discussions with Chinese representatives do not help normalize diplomatic relations. He made the same point about an earlier meeting with Chinese officials.

LRT also reported that Delfi said the Foreign Ministry asked the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius in September to change its name, offering several bilateral economic agreements and a special envoy for Taiwan at the ministry in return. The proposal reportedly urged Taiwan to act by October 1. Budrys confirmed that diplomatic discussions covered possible timelines but did not give specific dates. He said the name of the office alone would not secure greater investment, which depends on business interests and operating conditions.