Lithuania's foreign ministry last week announced the three members were expelled for activities that violated the Vienna Convention and Lithuanian legislation.

“The decision was made in light of the information provided by the responsible authorities and the incompatibility of the status and activities of the non-accredited personnel with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, other principles and practices of international law, and Lithuanian legislation,” the ministry said in a statement as quoted by LRT.

The three Chinese staff members have been given a week's time to leave the country.

China reacts:

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move and said in a statement: "China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action."

"As many are aware, on issues concerning China’s Taiwan region, Lithuania has been acting in serious violation of the one-China principle and breached the political commitment Lithuania made in the communiqué on the establishment of China-Lithuania diplomatic relations. This has caused severe difficulty for bilateral ties," the statement said.

China said it reserves the right to take countermeasures against Lithuania.

China's relationship with Lithuania touched a low point in 2021 after the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy on its soil in 2021.

According to reports, the country recalled its ambassador and other diplomats.

What is the basis of China’s claim over Taiwan?

The basis of China’s claim over Taiwan dates back to 1945 when Japan lost its control over the island in 1945, post-World War Two.

The 1949 Chinese civil war lead to communists taking control and Chiang Kai-shek the one who lost fled to Taiwan. He ruled it for many decades.

This is where China’s claim to Taiwan emanates. The very fact that Chiang Kai-shek came to Taiwan and was not indigenous to the place is Taiwan’s argument against the claim.