A Historic Visit Rooted in Shared Democratic Values
In a powerful symbol of enduring solidarity between two nations facing authoritarian pressures, former President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen visited Lithuania on May 10, 2025, during the first leg of her European goodwill tour. The visit marks a new chapter in Taiwan-Lithuania relations, reinforcing a bond forged through mutual support for democracy, sovereignty, and international resilience.
Tsai’s visit, though post-presidency, carries significant diplomatic weight, given Lithuania’s prominent role in strengthening unofficial ties with Taiwan in recent years—despite considerable economic and political backlash from China.
Backdrop: Lithuania’s Bold Stand Against Authoritarian Pressure
Lithuania has emerged as one of Taiwan’s most vocal supporters in Europe. The turning point came in 2021, when Lithuania allowed the establishment of a “Taiwanese Representative Office” in its capital, Vilnius. This defied China’s diplomatic norms, as Beijing insists that countries avoid using the name “Taiwan” to denote sovereignty.
China responded with a suite of retaliatory measures: recalling its ambassador from Vilnius, freezing diplomatic ties, suspending freight services, and blocking Lithuanian exports. Yet, Vilnius stood its ground—even as a change in government in December 2024 saw diplomatic communication with Beijing resume, Lithuania refused to rename Taiwan’s office.
This steadfastness made Lithuania a rare outlier in global diplomacy, where most countries often compromise under Beijing’s economic influence.
Tsai’s Visit: Diplomatic Recognition Beyond Politics
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Lithuania-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Tsai warmly thanked Lithuania for its unwavering support. She drew a sharp parallel between Taiwan and Lithuania—both small democracies living in the shadow of powerful authoritarian neighbors: China and Russia.
“Despite the threats from outside, we both thrived and developed our economies and became defenders of democracy,” Tsai stated, emphasizing how principles—not size—define a country’s moral authority on the world stage.
She praised Lithuania for exemplifying how a nation, regardless of its geopolitical size, can punch above its weight in global diplomacy when guided by courage and values.
Democracy and Tech: Building Sustainable Futures Together
Tsai’s itinerary included a visit to LeaFood, a vertical farming firm focused on sustainable agriculture and funded partly by Taiwanese investments. This signals a shift from symbolic diplomacy to practical cooperation—in tech innovation, climate-conscious farming, and food security.
The visit underscores Taiwan’s strategy to deepen ties through soft power: innovation, green tech, and people-to-people exchange, rather than relying solely on formal diplomacy.
What Lies Ahead: From Lithuania to Denmark
After her Lithuania stop, Tsai is set to visit Denmark to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit (May 13–14)—an international forum that celebrates and defends democratic governance.
This leg of the trip shows Taiwan’s consistent effort to position itself as a champion of democracy, aligned with Europe’s political identity, especially in a time when global democratic values are under strain.
Contextual Insight: Why This Visit Matters Now
Although Tsai is no longer in office, her role as a senior stateswoman of a democratic Asian country provides a unique avenue to bypass formal constraints. Unlike an active president, she can engage with European leaders without provoking the same level of geopolitical sensitivity—making her an effective ambassador for Taiwan’s cause.
Moreover, this visit occurs amid growing international unease over authoritarian aggression—from China’s actions in the South China Sea to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Taiwan and Lithuania’s partnership is being increasingly viewed through the lens of global democratic resilience.
FAQs
Why is Tsai Ing-wen visiting Lithuania after her presidency?
Tsai’s visit is part of a post-presidency effort to strengthen Taiwan’s international ties, especially with democratic allies like Lithuania that have stood up to authoritarian pressure.
Why is Lithuania important to Taiwan?
Lithuania is one of the few European countries that publicly supported Taiwan by allowing the use of “Taiwanese” in its representative office, signaling informal recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty.
What happened between China and Lithuania?
China downgraded diplomatic relations and imposed trade sanctions on Lithuania after it allowed Taiwan to open a representative office using the term “Taiwanese” in 2021.
What is Tsai expected to do next?
Tsai will travel to Denmark to attend and speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, furthering Taiwan’s engagement with democratic nations.
What message is Taiwan sending through this visit?
Taiwan is reinforcing its identity as a democratic, innovative, and resilient nation that stands with like-minded countries in the face of authoritarian threats.
