The Challenging Hegemony Roundtable held on November 30th, 2021 provided key insights into recent geopolitical developments surrounding Taiwan and the Baltic States stemming from Lithuania’s recent decision to accept a Taiwan Representative Office. Whereas Taiwan operates diplomatic offices around the world under a variety of names, Lithuania’s is the first in Europe to utilize the name “Taiwan,” a convention that the People’s Republic of China opposes in official diplomatic contexts since it claims Taiwan as its own. Each of the speakers covered specific areas of how relations between the Baltic States, Taiwan, and China have changed in recent years.<\/p>\n
Professor Luo highlighted the role of the EU and how its overall disposition towards China has changed in recent years. With China now being viewed more as a rival by many EU states, there is more support for Taiwan developing amongst European policy makers and think tanks. Even though Lithuania has now antagonized China by accepting a Taiwan Representative Office, the EU still adheres to its own One China Policy and is reluctant to confront China due to the trade relationships that many EU states have with China. Dr. Luo ended her presentation with a call for the EU to stand up for its member states with Lithuania and for democracy around the world.<\/p>\n
Dr. Auers presented a very brief history of the Baltic States and their history of occupation by the Soviet Union, a history that explains the Baltic sympathy towards Taiwan. Relations between the Baltic States and Taiwan began in the 1980s but were quickly set aside as the Baltic countries’ economic interests made partnering with China a better option. Lithuania, however, was disappointed at how little they benefited from their relationship with China. According to Dr. Auers, this disappointment, and the election of a new ruling government that champions a “values-based” foreign policy, explains why Lithuania accepted a Taiwan Representative Office.<\/p>\n
Dr. Ferenczy expanded on how the EU is shifting towards what she referred to as a “pro-European, pro-democracy and not anti-China” direction. The EU wants to remain relevant in the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. With numerous challenges confronting it, from the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Russian aggression, a rising China and the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has many problems to face. With China’s increasingly aggressive behavior however, there was now an opportunity for the EU to upgrade it relations with Taiwan. She said that it is incumbent upon each EU member state to take proactive measures to pursue relations with Taiwan. She enumerated practical steps for EU member states to take to achieve these goals.<\/p>\n
By shedding light on the economic, historical, and political challenges facing the Baltic countries, the EU and Taiwan, the speakers described the dynamics of the relationship and where it could be potentially headed in the future.<\/p>\n
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