China on Sunday officially downgraded its relations with Lithuania to the level of chargé d'affaires, according to China's Foreign Ministry, in protest of Taiwan opening a de facto representative office in Vilnius.

The foreign ministry protested the move, saying it downgraded diplomatic relations between the two countries to "safeguard its sovereignty."

"The Lithuanian government, in disregard of the Chinese side’s strong objection and repeated dissuasion, has approved the establishment of the so-called ‘Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania,'” said China's statement. “The Chinese government expresses strong protest over and firm objection to this extremely egregious act. The Lithuanian side shall be responsible for all the ensuing consequences."

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This move, according to the ministry, abandons Lithuania's political commitment in the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and China.

China called the opening of the embassy on Thursday "a provocative move," and asked Lithuania to "correct its wrong decisions immediately."

Europe increasing relations with Taiwan

Beijing refuses any use of the name of Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory. Chinese President Xi Jinping had early on pledged reunification with Taiwan.

Last month, a delegation of Taiwanese officials visited Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, which Beijing denounced, while a seven-member delegation from the European Parliament made a historic trip to Taiwan.

"We believe that the economic relations established with democratic states are more sustainable and long-lasting, they are more based on the principle of the rule of law, therefore they are more in line with Lithuania’s interests," Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters on Thursday.