Senior US lawmakers and State Department officials have raised concerns about China’s increasing support for Russia’s military activities and its impact on the Baltic states. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are now viewing their economic ties with China as a national security issue due to Beijing’s backing of Moscow in the Ukraine conflict. This issue was highlighted during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on Baltic security, where it was emphasized that these three NATO frontline states are crucial allies against Russian aggression and Chinese influence in Europe.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Smith informed lawmakers that Baltic governments are reevaluating their trade and strategic relationships with China because of the significant role China plays in supplying dual-use goods to Russia’s defense sector. He mentioned that China’s support for Russia has led the Baltic countries to reconsider their economic engagements with Beijing. Concerns are growing in Europe that Beijing has become a vital economic and technological partner for Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
US lawmakers expressed worries about China’s actions in the region, with Rep. William Keating highlighting China’s observation of the Ukraine conflict and NATO’s response in Eastern Europe. Emphasizing a policy of deterrence towards China, Keating questioned whether Beijing was closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and the Baltics to shape its approach towards Taiwan. Smith concurred, stating that China is closely analyzing the developments in Ukraine.
Additionally, Republican lawmakers voiced alarms over Chinese influence operations and economic coercion in the Baltic region. Rep. Young Kim pointed out Lithuania’s decision to allow Taiwan to establish a representative office under the name “Taiwanese” in 2021, which faced strong opposition from Beijing. Questions were raised about Lithuania’s stance towards China following recent statements by Lithuanian leaders. Smith reassured that Lithuania remains a prominent advocate against Chinese economic coercion in Europe.
Lawmakers from both political parties commended Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as exemplary allies that have surpassed NATO defense spending targets and actively supported Ukraine. Smith highlighted the Baltic countries’ efforts to remove Chinese components from their communication systems and collaborate with the US on secure supply chains. Republican Rep. Randy Fine noted that China’s actions are making it an adversary to these Baltic nations, despite the geographical distance.
The Baltic states, which joined NATO in 2004, have emerged as strong supporters of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have demonstrated solidarity by contributing significantly to Ukraine’s defense budgets and increasing military expenditures amid concerns of potential Russian threats towards NATO’s eastern borders.
