China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania on Sunday, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the Baltic State after Taiwan opened a de facto embassy there, escalating a row that sucked in Washington.
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Beijing said that Lithuania ignored China's "solemn stance" and the basic norms of international relations, adding that relations would be downgraded to the level of charge d'affaires, a rank below ambassador.
The move "undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs," creating a "bad precedent internationally. We urge the Lithuanian side to correct its mistakes immediately and not to underestimate the Chinese people's firm determination and staunch resolve to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," China's Foreign Ministry said.
"No matter what Taiwan does, it cannot change the fact that it is part of China," it said.
Lithuania expressed regret over China's move but defended its right to expand cooperation with Taiwan, while respecting Beijing's "One China" policy, and said its foreign minister would go to Washington to discuss trade and investment projects.
