Beijing, 18 December 2021 (TDI): China has refuted the Lithuanian allegation of the violation of the Vienna Convention.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that China has announced the downgrading of bilateral diplomatic relations to the chargé d’affaires level with Lithuania. Therefore, the Chinese government urged the Lithuanian delegation to China to change their name accordingly. This act of the Chinese government is under the framework of the Vienna Convention, he added.
China refutes Lithuania’s accusation of violating Vienna convention https://t.co/TeyhxdE8V0
— Zhang Heqing张和清 (@zhang_heqing) December 18, 2021
Wang highlighted that the Chinese government asked the Lithuanian delegation to reapply for the identification cards for diplomats. He stressed that the Chinese demand was under the normal procedure of management of foreign missions in China. It is also according to international law. It does not affect the life of the Lithuanian diplomats in China, he added.
Chinese action does not violate Vienna Convention
The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stressed that the Lithuanian diplomats have not applied for the extension of identification cards yet. They have been making wrong accusations of not giving enough time to the Lithuanian diplomats. He emphasized that Lithuania pulled out its diplomats from China after China downgraded the diplomatic relations. Lithuania made the wrong move and is blaming China for its incompetency, he added.
Wang stressed that Lithuania should avoid spreading fake information about China in the world. China did not violate the Vienna convention and neither it has any intent to do so. The Lithuanian side should show a sense of responsibility and avoid such statements that can harm further their relations.
Note that China downgraded its bilateral diplomatic relations to the chargé d’affaires level with Lithuania after Lithuania allowed the establishment of the Taiwanese representative office in Lithuania. China has blamed the Lithuanian side for creating a false impression of the One-China principle. It stated that the Lithuanian action undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. China will not normalize its bilateral relations until Lithuania undo its vile action.
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