© Reuters
–
Taiwan will launch a $ 1 billion loan program to finance joint projects between Taiwanese and Lithuanian companies, a Taiwanese senior official was quoted as saying by Reuters and BTA.
The step is another episode of the rapprochement of Vilnius and Taipei, which infuriates Beijing and creates tensions between the EU and China.
Last week, Taiwan announced another $ 200m program to invest directly in the Lithuanian economy and support bilateral ties.
The investments and the credit fund will allow us to strengthen our cooperation, Kun Min-hsin said during an online press conference.
Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrine Armonaite, meanwhile, said Vilnius plans to open a trade office in Taiwan in the spring.
Lithuania is under increasing pressure from China over its decision to allow the island country to open a de facto embassy in Vilnius. For China, Taiwan is a breakaway province.
–