Lithuanian government prioritises restoring relations with China

Lithuania’s incoming government, led by designated Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, faces a packed agenda, but its focus remains on restoring diplomatic relations with China, LRT reports.

The government has stated its goal is to normalise ties with Beijing, despite China’s close relationship with Russia—a concern flagged by Lithuanian intelligence. However, officials stress the need for pragmatic engagement, aiming for diplomatic representation levels consistent with other EU member states.

During a parliamentary session, Sinkevičius outlined a socially oriented programme, emphasising family support, social welfare, and a European-style social model. He identified internal societal division and radicalisation as the greatest threats to Lithuania, diverging from the opposition’s traditional security rhetoric.

In foreign policy, the government maintains continuity, prioritising security reinforcement and economic growth. Key commitments include NATO obligations, allocating at least 5% of GDP to defence, and ensuring defence industry spending benefits the domestic economy. The strategy also involves deeper cooperation with Germany, Poland, and Northern European states.

Efforts to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region are ongoing, with a noticeable shift in focus. The Sinkevičius government appears more active in engaging with Beijing than its predecessors, though the process remains complex.

Former Foreign Minister Antanas Valionis noted that stability in foreign policy is crucial for national security and prosperity. He cautioned that explicitly tasking a minister with restoring relations with a foreign state can be unsettling, given the sensitivity of such negotiations.