Lithuania responsible for current difficulties in relations: Spokesman

Lithuania bears all responsibilities for the current difficulties in China-Lithuania relations and China is not pursuing the so-called "economic coercion" against Lithuania, Zhang Yesui, spokesman of the fifth session of the 13th National People's Congress, said on Friday.

The one-China principle is a widely held global consensus and recognized norm governing international relations and the political foundation for China to develop bilateral relations with all countries, Zhang said.

Lithuania last November announced its decision to allow the Taiwan authority to open the so-called the Taiwanese Representative office in the country.

Zhang said this move gravely violates the one-China principle and renounces the political commitment Lithuania made at the time when the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1991.

"The Chinese government has to respond resolutely, which is fully justified and necessary," he added.

On the European Union filing a case at the World Trade Organization against China, Zhang called the move "unconstructive", saying there is no so-called "economic coercion".

China always stands for compliance with WTO rules in international trade and fosters market environment for fair competition, Zhang said, adding the country never discriminates against any country or enterprise.

He said China hopes the EU could act with an objective and impartial position and not expand the issue, which is between China and Lithuania, or escalate it to China-EU relations.