The Chinese authorities have downgraded the level of diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the status of chargé d'affaires due to the opening of the Taiwan embassy, the CCTV channel reported.

The PRC authorities regard the decision of Lithuania to open the Taiwan embassy as a violation of territorial integrity and interference in the internal affairs of Beijing.

"China expresses in this regard a sharp discontent and strong protest and decided to downgrade the Chinese-Lithuanian diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

Earlier, Taiwan opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania, which was a diplomatic breakthrough for the island. It is noted that Beijing opposed the opening of the Taiwanese representative office, which considers the island an integral part of the PRC.