China, Lithuania and multinational companies

[rovermorris999]

A quote from Reuters:

'China has told multinationals to sever ties with Lithuania or face being shut out of the Chinese market, dragging companies into a dispute between the Baltic state and Beijing. China downgraded its diplomatic ties with Lithuania last month, after the opening of a representative office by Taiwan in Vilnius.'

If true, this sets a very worrying precedent. Any bets on the response from multinational companies?

[B235r]

Any bets on the response from multinational companies? yes they will bow down to China like they always do

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Lithuania is a member of the EU - it'll be interesting see if the EU defends a member state's rights against Chinese bullying/sanctions or if they simply kow-tow to Beijing...


Looks like the Czech Republic has also upset China as well..

https://euobserver.com/world/153737

Edited by jesusbuiltmycar on Thursday 9th December 17:49

[Octoposse]

“. . . pour encourager les autres” as Voltaire put it (or, more accurately in this case, décourager).

I wonder what was Lithuania’s original motivation? Principle?

[dvs_dave]

Seem like the obvious answer to this bullying is for everybody open a Taiwan Representative office (or equivalent), then China would presumably be forced to cut trade ties with everyone.....see how that works for them!

[rovermorris999]

dvs_dave said:

Seem like the obvious answer to this bullying is for everybody open a Taiwan Representative office (or equivalent), then China would presumably be forced to cut trade ties with everyone.....see how that works for them!

That is a brilliant idea. Sadly, too much Chinese money in powerful pockets in most Western countries for that to happen.

[Electro1980]

I think things are starting to turn against China. We have countries starting to recognise Taiwan and boycotts of the Olympics. I think between the behaviour over covid and South China Sea the international community is coming to the end of its tolerance of Chinas other behaviours.

[Triumph Man]

COVID-22 incoming - first seen in Lithuania