The media reported that the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that China's "coercive steps" against Lithuanian diplomats are "unacceptable". I would like to stress the following points in this regard.

The ins and outs of the current China-Lithuania relations are very clear. The Lithuanian Government, in disregard of China's repeated solemn representations, has allowed the Taiwan authorities to set up the “Taiwan Representative Office” in Lithuania and flagrantly created the false impression of “one China, one Taiwan” in the world, violating the political commitment it made in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The Chinese side has no choice but to announce the downgrading of bilateral diplomatic relations to the chargé d’affaires level and demand that the Lithuanian side change the name of its diplomatic representation in China accordingly. This is consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, common international law and relevant international practices, and in line with the principle of diplomatic reciprocity. 

With the downgraded relations to the chargé d’affaires level, China asked Lithuania’s diplomatic representation in China to reapply for the identification cards for diplomats. This is a normal procedure of China’s support and management of foreign missions in China, which complies with international law and international common practice. It does not affect the normal fulfillment of duties and life of Lithuanian diplomats in China. At the same time, China protects the security and legitimate rights and interests of all diplomatic missions in China and their normal operation, including Lithuania’s diplomatic representation, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Instead of facing up to and addressing its wrong acts, the Lithuanian side spreads disinformation to shirk responsibilities with absurdity.

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs falsely claims that China has taken "coercive steps" against Lithuanian diplomats without knowing the truth, which is extremely irresponsible. China strongly opposes this. We urge Estonia to distinguish right from wrong, uphold an objective and just position, and stop helping Lithuania to spread rumors and false information.