Chinese diplomat says trade problems not due to Beijing-Vilnius row

Challenges that Lithuanian businesses are facing in exporting their products to China are not due Beijing's diplomatic row with Vilnius, Qu Baihua, China's acting chargé d'affaires to Lithuania, said on Wednesday.

"I don't think that this issue was political. It happens. If they have problems, they are allowed to ask Chinese authorities," he told reporters.

The diplomat added, however, that Lithuania has lost credibility and respect in the eyes of Chinese businesses through its actions, so cooperation can become increasingly difficult.