Chinese Diplomats Expected in Lithuania for Talks on Restoring Relations

Chinese diplomats are expected to visit Lithuania on 11–12 November for discussions on restoring diplomatic representation, according to Lithuanian MP Ignas Vėgėlė.

The delegation is expected to include a deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Affairs and a representative of China’s mission to the European Union. Meetings are planned with Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry and a parliamentary group advocating the normalisation of relations with Beijing.

Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has not confirmed the planned visit.

Relations deteriorated in 2021 following the opening of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius. China subsequently downgraded diplomatic representation, while Lithuania’s restrictions on diplomatic accreditation eventually left Beijing without accredited diplomatic personnel in the country.

The economic consequences remain significant. According to a Lithuanian Economy Ministry review cited by BNS, exports of Lithuanian-origin goods to China fell sharply, and diversification into other regional markets failed to fully compensate for the losses.

The same review found that Lithuania’s closer engagement with Taiwan had produced limited results in merchandise trade, although cooperation in semiconductors, lasers, research and other high-value technology sectors remained an important benefit.

The Lithuanian government has committed to restoring diplomatic representation with China to the level maintained by other EU member states. No formal agreement or timetable for doing so has been announced.

Source: BNS via LRT, 6 November 2026.