Photo : EPA/ BBC
IN FOCUS
By Joeana Cera Matthews
Lithuania, Taiwan, and China
What happened?
On 21 November, China retaliated to Taiwan opening its representative office in Vilnius by downgrading diplomatic relations with the country to the “charge d’affaires” level. According to a statement via China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “The Chinese government had to lower diplomatic relations between the two countries… in order to safeguard its sovereignty and the basic norms of international relations… The Lithuanian government must bear all consequences that arise from this… (their actions) created a bad precedent in the international arena.” However, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte responded to the escalation of tensions by saying: “Our government’s programme says Lithuania wants a more intense economic, cultural and scientific relationship with Taiwan... (But) I want to emphasise that this step does not mean any conflict or disagreement with the ‘One China policy.”
On 18 November, Taiwan opened its de facto embassy at Vilnius in Lithuania called the ‘Taiwanese Representative Office’. Back in July, the announcement of the decision to move ahead with the same had angered China. A multi-fold retaliation followed. China demanded Lithuania to recall its ambassador to Beijing after withdrawing its own; freight trains to the Baltic state were stopped along with the issuing of food export permits.
What is the background?
First, the impact on the economy. The Lithuanian vice minister of foreign affairs Arnoldas Pranckevicius commented on the tensions impacting their economy: “I think it is a wake-up call in many ways… China is trying to make an example out of us - a negative example, so that other countries don’t necessarily follow that path, and therefore it is a matter of principle how the Western community, the United States, and European Union reacts.” In response to the economic consequences faced by the country, the US agreed to financially support the country; Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabriellus Landsbergis requested similar support from the EU.
Second, a historical resemblance. The Eastern European countries might also be reminded of the horrors of their past when dealing with China. The similarity of the ‘authoritarian giant’ with the USSR during the Cold War certainly does not sit well with them. In line with this sentiment, the speaker of the Czech Senate Milos Vystrcil said: “We know very well from our own history what it’s like to live with a big brother behind your back… And this is why we support Taiwan because they live with a big brother behind their back, the People’s Republic of China.” In response to this, the Taiwan Foreign Ministry released a statement that said: “Like Taiwan, countries in Central and Eastern Europe have gone through the shackles of authoritarian regimes and uphold the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.”
Third, the perception of China. According to a 2020 opinion poll by Palacky University Olomouc (the Czech Republic) and the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (Slovakia), China is the most negatively perceived, following North Korea and Russia. This affects the Chinese ambitions for the region in the fields of trade and investments, especially in the backdrop of the failure of the 17+1 grouping. Even the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which created a huge furore in its wake is being viewed with scepticism by the region.
Fourth, the Chinese territory of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and, in this backdrop, requires that the territory be called ‘Chinese Taipei’. However, Taiwan considers itself to be independent and sovereign. China’s website even had a statement from the foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stating: “We urge the Lithuanian government to abide by the solemn political commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China and not to make irreversible wrong decisions… The European side should adopt a correct position and prevent interference with the healthy development of China-EU relations.” Another Chinese statement read: “Taiwan is never a country. No matter how (much) ‘Taiwan independence’ forces try to misrepresent facts and confound black and white, the historical fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and same China cannot be changed.”
Inferences
First, Eastern Europe’s growing relations with Taiwan. Eastern Europe is cosying up to Taiwan despite the threats forwarded by China. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu visited Slovakia and the Czech Republic during the last week of October. Poland and Slovakia donated COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan. While western Europe faces difficulties with respect to maintaining ties with China, eastern Europe reflects this via getting closer to Taiwan in the face of an enraged China.
Second, the unlikely possibility of complete cancellation of ties. China cutting off all ties with Lithuania is unlikely since such a move would encourage the Baltic state to turn to Taiwan.
References:
“China downgrades diplomatic ties with Lithuania over Taiwan row,” BBC, 22 November 2021.
Stuart Lau and Rym Momtaz, “China downgrades Lithuania’s diplomatic status over Taiwan row,” POLITICO, 21 November 2021.
Agence France-Presse, "China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania over Taiwan row," Deutsche Welle, 21 November 2021.
Finbarr Bermingham, “Lithuania seeks more EU support as US offers US$600m to cushion impact from row with Beijing over Taiwan,” South China Morning Post, 20 November 2021.
“Lithuania says its rocky ties with China are a 'wake up call' for Europe,” Reuters, 03 November 2021.
“China warns Lithuania, European officials over Taiwan row,” Reuters, 30 October 2021.
Georgi Kantchev and Stu Woo, "Taiwan Gains Favor in Europe’s East, Angering China," The Wall Street Journal, 26 October 2021.
IN BRIEF
By Padmashree Anandhan and Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan
HUNGARY
Orban’s government approves referendum on LGBTQ issues
On 30 October, Hungary’s parliament approved a referendum on LGBTQ issues. The lawmakers of the ruling Fidesz party agreed on four referendum questions pertaining to sex education programs in schools and the availability of information on sexual orientation to the children. Although the bill received substantial backing, opposition lawmakers abstained from voting since the bill included a statement on “unrestricted presentation of media content that influences the development of underage children”. The move orchestrated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been criticized in terms of suppressing human rights and recently, the European Commission launched legal action on Hungary for discriminating against the LGBTQ community. As per Orban, he has reasoned these actions as a measure to safeguard the Christian values from western liberalism. Another factor to note is Orban’s policies on gender and migration being in the forefront as the elections in Hungary draw nearer. Therefore, it can be an exercise to ensure his votes from the Christian community of Hungary stay put. (“Hungary approves referendum on limiting LGBTQ representation in education,” Deutsche Welle, 30 November 2021)
REGIONAL
Blinken and Lavrov set to meet on the sidelines of NATO summit
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to meet on 02 December amid the worsening tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This meeting comes a day after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba participated in the meetings of NATO Foreign Ministries. Ukraine at the NATO summit has sought greater cooperation with the alliance and suggested sanctions against Russia. Although NATO itself cannot impose sanctions, its member states can. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about the significant Russian aggression against Ukraine and said that the US would respond with economic measures of “high impact”. Putin said that he was looking forward to the US-Russia discussions to work out ways to de-escalate tensions by excluding any new eastward moves by NATO, closer to Russian territory. Putin also mentioned that an immediate de-escalation of troops is not possible as he alleged that Ukraine had built up troops in the Donbas region. (“ US, Russian top diplomats to discuss Ukraine after NATO talks,” Deutsche Welle, 01 December 2021)
The EU’s Global Gateway to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
On 01 December, Brussels announced investment plans to raise EUR 300 billion for the European enterprise named ‘Global Gateway’. This is a part of Europe’s strategy to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) infrastructural projects. The Global Gateway is an alternative that would have high standards, good governance, and high levels of transparency keeping participant countries in an equal partnership. The EU through the Global Gateway would be able to provide a way to advance its strategic interests beyond its borders and offset Beijing's control. The discussion about the Global Gateway itself has affected China so much that Chinese President Xi Jinping began mentioning "about quality projects, and about sustainability”. The European enterprise will be tested when the EU and African Union hold a joint summit. A German MEP, Reinhard Bütikofer stated: “the initiative will open a new chapter in Europe's role in international relations.” (“EU plans to raise €300 billion to counter China's infrastructure spending,” Euronews, 01 December 2021)
THE UNITED KINGDOM
Post-Brexit fishing and its complications for Paris and London.
Amid the diplomatic tussle between Paris and London, Guernsey granted 43 fishing licenses to French boats to continue operation off the English Channel Island. Following the move, Guernsey's External Affairs Minister Jonathan Le Tocq said: “The new authorisations are a milestone for Guernsey to exercise new power and control over their territorial waters.” The European Commission had earlier asked both the governments to resolve the issues on the fishing licenses by 10 December. The contention has grown as even under the Brexit trade deal, EU fishing boats can continue to operate in British waters only if they can provide proof that they have a customary right of previously fishing there. It is difficult for the British and French sides to reach a consensus over the nature and extent of evidence for customary rights. France has been able to obtain 1000 licenses under the Brexit deal but is claiming for about 100 more of which 30 of them are top priority cases. (“Post-Brexit fishing: Guernsey grants over 40 licences for French boats,” Euronews, 01 December 2021)
MIGRATION
Poland, Latvia, Lithuania: Reimposition of emergencies and other restrictive measures at the borders
The EU has proposed a new measure that allows Poland and Belarus to suspend protections for asylum seekers. The European Commission intends to extend the rule to Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. This will enable them to hold up the existing asylum seeker applications from the previous 10 days to almost four weeks. In terms of the treatment of the migrants, the three countries have taken a strong stance and the European Commission backs their decision, although it stands to violate the EU and international laws on humanitarian grounds. According to a senior researcher from Brussels-based Center for European Policy Research: “The commission seeks to apply fundamental exceptions instead of making sure that current norms and standards are delivered by national governments.” (Elian Peltier and Monika Pronczuk “New E.U. Measures Set to Restrict Asylum Rights at the Belarus Border,” The New York Times, 01 November 2021)
COVID-19
Germany: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for citizens aged 60 and above
On 01 December, Greece’s premier said: “Greeks over the age of 60 must book their appointment for a first jab by 16 January 2022.” The statement made to the cabinet requires for the measure to still be voted in the parliament. Greece is said to become the first country in the EU to target a specific age group for mandatory vaccines. Germany will start fining all unvaccinated people over the “age of 60s EUR100 a month”. But there has been resistance to this decision from Greece’s main opposition party called the Syriza who feel that these measures are “punitive and financially excessive”. Austria too announced that it would start compulsory vaccinations in February. Meanwhile, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen suggested the European states consider mandatory vaccinations to combat the new COVID-19 variant of Omicron. (“Covid: Greece to fine over-60s who refuse Covid-19 vaccine,” BBC, 01 December 2021)