U.S. warns “other countries” about threatening Lithuania over Taiwan office

VILNIUS (Reuters) – The United States rejects attempts by “other countries” to interfere in Lithuania’s relationship with Taiwan, U.S. Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya told a news conference in Vilnius on Friday.

China earlier on Friday warned Lithuania it would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard national sovereignty after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy.

“We reject attempts of other countries to interfere in Lithuania’s sovereign decision to deepen cooperation with Taiwan,” Zeya said following a meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

“We reaffirm our support for our valued NATO and EU partner and ally,” Zeya said.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas, editing by Terje Solsvik)