Key facts
- Lithuania's new government aims to restore diplomatic ties with China.
- The government will maintain a hard line on Russia, continuing sanctions and isolation efforts.
- Defense spending will increase to at least 5% of GDP, focusing on air defense and cyber security.
- Lithuania plans to normalize relations with China to the level of other EU member states.
- The government supports Ukraine's victory and reconstruction, and increased pressure on Belarus.
- Lithuania will use its 2027 EU presidency to focus on defense and security.
Lithuania's incoming government, led by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, has outlined a policy agenda focused on bolstering national security and recalibrating foreign relations, particularly with China. Presented to the Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday, the program commits to increasing defense spending to at least 5% of GDP, with accelerated investments in air defense, counter-drone capabilities, and cyber security. Sinkevičius emphasized the importance of technological innovation and adaptation in future conflicts.
The government signaled a clear shift in its approach to China, pledging to "normalize diplomatic relations with China to the level maintained by other EU member states." This marks a departure from the previous administration's more confrontational stance, which led to strained ties and economic restrictions after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office. The policy shift was foreshadowed by Lithuania's pause in negotiations with Taiwan on an economic cooperation plan.
Despite the move towards normalizing ties with China, Lithuania's policy towards Russia remains unchanged. The government is committed to actively working towards Russia's international isolation, maintaining pressure through sanctions, and coordinating with allies. It sees no prospect of normal relations with Russia while the war in Ukraine continues and supports the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Lithuania also reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and reconstruction, viewing a Ukrainian victory as the only path to a stable peace in Europe. Belarus is identified as another security challenge, with plans to increase pressure if it continues to support Russia's war or engage in hybrid attacks against the EU.
Looking ahead, Lithuania is set to hold the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in January 2027. The government intends to use this platform to influence debates on competitiveness, defense, security, and Europe's global role, advocating for increased defense spending and support for the bloc's defense industry.