Landsberg on relations with China: there are positive signals
“There are positive signals about the flow of goods to and from China, but I remain cautious about the country proving its use as a political tool. As a result, the European Union’s case in the World Trade Organization is being continued regarding possible events that have taken place against Lithuania.
despite this optimism, I remain and urge you to remain so cautious, ”the Foreign Minister commented on Tuesday in an interview with the Open Seimas.
In January, the European Union wrote to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about China’s trade practices, which the Community considers discriminating against Lithuania because of Vilnius’ position vis-à-vis Taiwan, writes BNS.
The EU’s request for consultations emphasizes that China’s restrictions violate WTO law on trade in goods and services.
Lithuanian-Chinese relations eroded when Vilnius allowed a Taiwanese mission to operate in the country, using the island’s name in its name.
Experts say the Chinese name of the mission sounds like a Taiwanese mission. Beijing sees Taiwan’s attempts to act as the state needs.
Last November, Beijing officially downgraded diplomatic representation with Lithuania before the trustees.
As the diplomatic conflict developed, Lithuanian businessmen reported experiencing various restrictions on trade with China. National policies have called them unannounced sanctions.
In its appeal to the WTO, the European Union expressed support for a complaint from Lithuanian business leaders and officials that China was blocking imports from Lithuania and imposing other economic restrictions as a result of the dispute.
The United States also means support for Lithuania and the EU in the dispute.
However, WTO arbitration is a slow process, the results of which can be expected for many years.
Asked what will happen next if the arbitration is in Lithuania’s favor, Landsbergis said that China would have to lift trade restrictions on Lithuanian companies.
“First of all, the situation with which Lithuanian companies and trade restrictions must be lifted must not be continued. The main thing here is, “the minister said.
And if China did not respond to such a decision, according to Landsberg, the question would arise whether this country “remains a rules-based part of the world”.
“As a result of its aspiration to become a member of the World Trade Organization, it has adopted certain rules.
Apparently, the main question is why so many countries supported the case of Lithuania, approached the case of Lithuania or the European Union for Lithuania, joined the USA, Australia, Japan, Canada. Obviously, for many, the question arises as to how sincere and genuine China is [PPO] member, ”commented the Minister of Foreign Affairs.