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Politico (6 October 2021)

BY STUART LAU

The diplomatic showdown between Lithuania and the world’s second-largest economy began with just one word. 

In August, Vilnius authorized Taiwan’s request to set up a “Taiwanese” representative office in the country. Using that name offended Beijing, which insists the island is part of China and prefers “Taipei” to be used instead.

The row quickly escalated. Though Vilnius stressed the move did not reflect a challenge to Beijing’s “One China” policy, the decision — the first of its kind in Europe — was seen by many as a potential first step toward eventually recognizing Taiwan as a separate country.

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