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.