Lithuanian MP: Taiwan Relations Should Not Only Consider Investment, Must Include Security Considerations

Lithuanian Member of Parliament and former Minister of National Defense, Dovilė Šakalienė, was interviewed by ELTA news agency on the 8th, commenting on the Lithuanian government's recent policy towards Taiwan. Šakalienė stated that Taiwan holds strategic importance for the United States in terms of geographical location and semiconductor production, and the US government's ties with Taiwan in economic, military, and political aspects remain very close. She believes that in this context, ignoring Taiwan, cooling relations, changing the name of the representative office, or overlooking global security and geopolitical dimensions would seem strange. Šakalienė mentioned in the interview that when Lithuania faced economic pressure from China in 2021 due to the establishment of the Taiwan Representative Office, the United States provided assistance, including accelerating market access and offering export credit support. She pointed out that changing the name of the representative office could be seen as devaluing these investments, stating, 'A change in our stance might be interpreted in Washington as a victory for China, showing that Chinese pressure is more important to us.' She emphasized that if the current Lithuanian government continues to position itself as a pro-US country, it should fully consider US policy towards Taiwan and the overall geopolitical background. The report noted that regarding internal voices in Lithuania advocating for a 'cost-benefit' re-examination of relations with Taiwan, and even questioning whether Taiwan's investments have met expectations, Šakalienė stated that bilateral relations should not be measured solely by economic indicators. She added, 'In the current situation, maintaining warm relations with Taiwan is meaningful and should not be measured only by direct economic data, nor should Taiwan's investments be viewed in isolation.' She pointed out that Taiwan relations should be understood within a broader security framework, including strategic links with the United States, Asia, and Europe. She said that she has always viewed Taiwan as part of a strategic security triangle, not merely an economic and trade partner. Regarding the Lithuanian government's intention to restore diplomatic relations with China, Šakalienė stated that maintaining a level of diplomatic representation consistent with the EU is not inappropriate, but the key lies in the cost of such decisions. She warned that such moves could be seen by the United States as a policy reversal and bring additional risks to Lithuania's security and intelligence work. Šakalienė has long spoken out for Taiwan in international forums. Last month, she visited Taiwan to attend the 9th Yushan Forum and was awarded the 'Friendship Medal of Diplomacy' by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing her significant contributions to deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations. (Edited by Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150409