Shaheen, Risch Introduce Resolution in Support of Lithuania’s Stance against Chinese Aggression
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, and Jim Risch (R-ID), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a resolution commending the government of Lithuania for increasing ties with Taiwan and supporting its firm stance against coercion by China.
“China’s efforts to spread its influence across democracies in Eastern Europe are concerning, and the United States stands in solidarity with Lithuania against China’s abuse. Lithuania’s resolve to stand up for human rights and against economic encroachment by China is commendable,” said Shaheen. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Risch to strengthen U.S. support to Lithuania and Taiwan against Chinese economic manipulation.”
“On July 20, 2021, the government of Lithuania announced the opening of a Taiwan Representative Office in its capital city of Vilnius. Since that courageous decision, Lithuania has faced unacceptable economic retaliation from China,” said Risch. “This resolution sends a message that when our friends stand up to Chinese malign influence, the United States will support them. I applaud the Lithuanian government for refusing to allow its foreign policy to be dictated by outside powers, and I fully support all nations in strengthening relations with Taiwan.”
This resolution:
- Commends Lithuania for strengthening ties with Taiwan;
- Recognizes the bold actions Lithuania has taken to highlight the malign actions of China; and
- Encourages nations around the world to support Lithuania and confront Chinese coercion.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
Shaheen is a leader in the Senate in the push against an increasingly competitive and aggressive China, including through her role as co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group with Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC). Earlier this summer, the Senate passed historic legislation supported by Shaheen, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act of 2021. The comprehensive bill invests in innovative education, good-paying jobs and cutting-edge industries to increase American competitiveness and safeguard our national security against China. Included in the final bill was Shaheen’s provision to expand hands-on learning opportunities in STEM education to bolster the pipeline of students entering the STEM workforce and strengthen innovation in the economy. She also recently introduced the Transatlantic Telecommunication Security Act (TTSA), which would strengthen European telecommunications infrastructure and counter China’s influence by helping key allies in the region build 5G networks. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, Shaheen has also long advocated for serious investments in scientific and technology innovation to protect the U.S.’s global leadership and national security against China.
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