Lithuanian Presidential Advisor: Improving Relations with China Not Top Priority for New Government

Lithuania's 21st government was sworn in yesterday. Asta Skaisgirytė, the presidential chief advisor on foreign policy, stated in a radio interview that the new administration will not prioritize improving relations with China. She emphasized that 'there are more important issues for Lithuania,' noting that bilateral ties rank 36th on the country's overall foreign policy agenda.

According to Lithuania's National Radio and Television (LRT), Skaisgirytė said on the 14th that, as Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys previously stated, relations with China are the 36th item on Lithuania's diplomatic agenda. 'Therefore, it should not be expected that the new government will begin its work from this issue,' she noted.

'Lithuania has more important matters to handle,' she reiterated.

Following Lithuania's 2024 parliamentary elections, the ruling coalition has undergone its third cabinet reshuffle. The new cabinet was sworn in yesterday, with Budrys retaining his position as foreign minister. President Gitanas Nauseda had previously indicated that Budrys's continuation would depend on his performance in normalizing relations with China and implementing agreements related to Taiwan.

The government program recently approved by parliament outlines that the administration led by new Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius will largely continue the previous government's direction. In foreign policy, it commits to ongoing support for Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression and expresses a willingness to work toward restoring normal diplomatic relations with China.

While LRT reported that Skaisgirytė downplayed the priority of China-related issues, she did not rule out future improvements. She stated that bilateral relations would continue to develop, but only on the basis of reciprocity, without sudden policy shifts or revolutionary changes.

Lithuania's relations with China have been strained in recent years. In late 2021, Lithuania permitted Taiwan to open a representative office in its capital, Vilnius, under the name 'Taiwan,' provoking strong backlash from Beijing. China subsequently downgraded diplomatic ties and imposed trade restrictions and other economic pressures on Lithuania.