TMTPOST -- Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday the expulsion of three diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in Lithuania, accusing them of activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The diplomats have been declared "persona non grata" and must leave within a week, though specific details were not disclosed. The expulsion comes amid ongoing tensions between Lithuania and China, which have been escalating since 2021, when Lithuania allowed Taiwan to establish a representative office in its capital, Vilnius. China strongly opposed this move, downgrading diplomatic relations with Lithuania. The latest incident is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. Mantas Motuza, chairman of the Lithuanian Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that the expulsion was a routine diplomatic action unrelated to espionage. He explained that the diplomatic credentials of the affected personnel had expired, and foreign diplomats are required to renew their accreditation. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Lithuania's actions regarding Taiwan were the root cause of the difficulties in bilateral relations. She reaffirmed that China remains open to dialogue and hopes Lithuania will return to adhering to the "One China" principle. This expulsion could have significant implications for Lithuania's diplomatic and trade relations with China. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has previously expressed hope that reassigning an ambassador would help repair ties with China, but this latest expulsion may complicate those efforts.