On June 27th, the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center, in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania, hosted a discussion on Lithuanian and Canadian experiences – “Engaging with China: Between Cooperation, Competition, and Caution”. The event featured Joya Donnelly, Director General of North-East Asia, Global Affairs Canada and Marius Janukonis, Director of the Department of Strategic Management and Analysis at the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. GSSC represented by GSSC Associate Expert and Associate Professor at Vilnius University, Dr. Konstantinas Andrijauskas and Chief Projects Officer, Dr. Simona Merkinaitė.
During the event, Dr. Andrijauskas presented his lecture: “China’s Influence in Lithuania: Unique Features and Limits during the Bilateral Relationship Crisis“. The panel proceeded to discuss the similar experiences Lithuania and Canada have faced while interacting with China as a diplomatic and economic actor. It was mentioned how both countries have gained unique perspectives on China relative to other European partners in the past decade. The panel also discussed their respective efforts to pursue strategic and economic diversification.