Together with three other signatories, the ALDE Party has signed a statement expressing support and solidarity with Lithuania, in the face of regrettable and unprecedented challenges from China, in response to the country’s commitment to upholding human rights and democratic values in its relationship with Taiwan and in defence of China’s Uyghur minority.

“Lithuania has faced both economic and diplomatic pressure as a direct result of its sovereign decisions to withdraw from the 17+1, to recognise China’s human rights violations against the Uyghur minority as genocide, and to allow for the establishment of a Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.

While respecting our One China policy, the European Union and the United States together are committed to developing enhanced economic and investment ties in the region, especially with other democratic partners, as outlined by the EU’s recent Indo-Pacific Strategy. Coercion will not deter our commitment to strengthening our partnerships with Taiwan, nor blunt our solidarity with Lithuania or any democratic partner facing authoritarian pressure,” the statement reads.

The statement also calls for members and supporters to take concrete action in standing together with Lithuania in response to the Chinese government’s attempts to erode solidarity towards allies taking a bold stance in defence of democratic values.

Read the full statement here

#ALDEParty stands in solidarity with Lithuania in the face of pressure from China. We call for members and supporters to take concrete action in standing together with Lithuania! Full statement 👉https://t.co/C1vxXmLTqM https://t.co/Sf3YbKLwRw

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) October 7, 2021