Since mid-May, Chinese diplomats have been absent from Vilnius, reflecting escalating diplomatic tensions between Lithuania and China over the status of official representation.
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to local media that currently no accredited diplomats or embassy staff remain at the Chinese embassy in Vilnius.
Reports indicate that until recently one Chinese diplomat was still in the country. However, after a brief trip abroad, he was denied re-entry on May 18 at Vilnius airport.
The Lithuanian Border Guard explained that the diplomat, despite holding a diplomatic passport, lacked valid accreditation and had overstayed the 90-day visa-free period granted to diplomats under the Schengen Agreement.
“This person exhausted the allowed time and can no longer benefit from this exemption,” said a spokesperson for the Lithuanian State Border Guard.
Local broadcasters reported the diplomat spent nine hours at the airport before being sent back to Istanbul.
Relations between the two countries soured in 2021 after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office, an act Beijing condemned as violating the “One China” policy, which prohibits separate diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China subsequently downgraded diplomatic ties with Lithuania and imposed trade restrictions.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized Vilnius’ desire to restore relations with Beijing, citing the need for a functional embassy in China.
On January 24, China expressed hope for a return to a “normal state” in relations, adding that “the doors for dialogue are always open.”
