By AFP | 2024-05-10

VILNIUS -- Lithuania May 12 votes in a presidential election dominated by security concerns as the NATO and European Union (EU) member plans to boost defense spending to counter the perceived threat from neighboring Russia.

The Baltic state of 2.8 million people fears it could be next in Russia's crosshairs if Moscow wins its full-scale war against Ukraine, which began with an invasion in 2022.

"Lithuania's understanding of the Russian threat is unanimous and unquestionable, so the main candidates are following suit," Eastern Europe Studies Centre director Linas Kojala told AFP.

The Lithuanian president steers defense and foreign policy, attending EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the cabinet and parliament on appointing the most senior officials.

While the top three candidates agree on defense, they share diverging views on Lithuania's relations with China, which have been strained for years over Taiwan.

Lithuania, a former Soviet republic now in the EU and NATO, is known as a top donor to Ukraine. It devotes a robust 2.75% of GDP to defense.

Lithuania notably intends to purchase tanks and additional air defense systems, and to host a German brigade, as Berlin plans to complete the stationing of about 5,000 troops by 2027.

Tension over Taiwan

Sino-Lithuanian ties turned tense in 2021, when Vilnius allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island's name in a departure from the common diplomatic practice of using the term Taipei to avoid angering Beijing.

China, which considers Taiwan its territory, downgraded diplomatic relations with Vilnius and blocked its exports.

The Chinese retaliation sparked controversy among Lithuanian politicians, with some urging a restoration of relations for the sake of the Lithuanian economy.

"China's reaction to the opening of the office was harsher than predicted, and that sparked the debate," Kojala said, adding that China's response was hurting local businesses.