After the diplomatic relations between China and Lithuania turned sour, and that the embassy of Lithuania was downgraded to the lesser “charge d'affaires office”, the Lithuanian diplomats in Beijing collectively evacuated and left China. Reuters reported that the departure was due to "intimidation" and security concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania also publicly announced on December 15 that it had recalled its top diplomat in China and that the Lithuanian embassy in China would operate remotely. Lithuania is negotiating with China on the technical issues of the business operation of Lithuanian diplomatic institution in China, and China has yet to re-recognize the rights and responsibilities of Lithuanian diplomats in the country. Lithuania is willing to seek to fully restore the functions of its embassy in China on the premise of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.

The Lithuanian response is tactical, indicating that it is willing to take reciprocal arrangement.

Reuters sources revealed that 19 personnel from the Lithuanian embassy in Beijing and their families have left Beijing for Paris, France. The embassy is no longer able to conduct its operations normally. Due to concerns that the Chinese side will suspend water and electricity and other means to create more obstacles, sources said that the personal safety of Lithuanian staff cannot be guaranteed.

According to Financial Times who quoted three people familiar with the situation, “the Chinese government had demanded Lithuania’s remaining diplomats in Beijing hand in their diplomatic IDs to the foreign ministry to have their diplomatic status lowered. The move raised concern in Vilnius that the officials could lose diplomatic immunity, putting their safety at risk if they remained in China”.

Lithuania allowed Taiwan to establish a representative office this year. Afterward mainland China launched a series of retaliations. After recalling its ambassador in Lithuania in August, China lowered its bilateral relations with Lithuanian embassy in China being downgraded to the level of "charge d'affaires office" in November. In addition, according to Lithuanian media reports, Lithuania was removed from the Chinese customs system, resulting in the failure to clear Lithuanian-related goods. Chinese media however, denied this claim.