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The EU submitted a World Trade Organization (WTO) case against China this week over “discriminatory trade practices” against Lithuania, the European Commission announces on its website.
The EU submitted a World Trade Organization (WTO) case against China this week over “discriminatory trade practices” against Lithuania, the European Commission announces on its website.
“Launching a WTO case is not a step we take lightly. However, after repeated failed attempts to resolve the issue bilaterally, we see no other way forward than to request WTO dispute settlement consultations with China,” European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said in a statement.
The move comes after Beijing blocked most trade with Lithuania after the latter allowed the opening of the Taiwanese Representation office in Vilnius.
Some Lithuanian officials are seeking to repair connections with China. They are discussing whether Taiwan should modify the Chinese title of the office, two sources said. The change would bring the name in line with the Lithuanian and English translations. Any change would need Taiwan’s agreement.