Reports from foreign media indicate that Lithuania has requested a name change for the “Taipei Representative Office in Lithuania.” In response to these claims, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, Chen Ming-chi, stated today that there will be no comments regarding rumors circulating in the media, particularly those based on false information. He confirmed that there are currently no plans to alter the name of the representative office.
According to reports, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a request at the end of September for the office to change its name before October 1.
Today, the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China invited Executive Yuan Premier Su Tseng-chang along with heads of various ministries for questions and discussions. Prior to the meeting, Chen expressed concerns over how rumors, especially those founded on misinformation, could damage the Taiwan-Lithuania relationship and interactions. He emphasized that the relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania is built on mutual benefit and shared values, seeking to further deepen bilateral ties.
Chen elaborated that the name “Taipei Representative Office in Lithuania” was a decision made as part of the effort to strengthen bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that there are no current plans to change the name and mentioned that Lithuania has clarified its stance regarding its interactions with the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring that such interactions do not need to come at Taiwan’s expense.
In other news, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting is scheduled to take place on November 18 in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Organizers did not send representatives to deliver invitations in person but instead opted to send them via email. The candidate representing Taiwan’s leadership at the event has yet to be announced.
Chen noted that the selection of Taiwan’s leader representative for APEC will be announced by the Presidential Office at an appropriate time. He stressed that Taiwan is a full member of APEC and has the right to participate in all APEC activities on the basis of respect and equality. Furthermore, he stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will call for corrections regarding any deviations from commitments, norms, and regulations, continually working to address these issues.