China downgrades diplomatic relations with Lithuania over Taiwan row

China's move was in protest at Baltic country allowing the opening of a diplomatic office using the name Taiwan China has officially downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania to the "charge d'affaires" level in protest at Taiwan establishing a de facto embassy in Vilnius. Lithuania allowing Taipei to formally open an office using the name Taiwan was a significant diplomatic departure that defied a pressure campaign by Beijing, which tries to keep Taiwan isolated on the global stage.