Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed China’s One-China policy during a press conference on Feb. 6, 2026, while also highlighting the increasing global interest in Chinese culture and lifestyle. In response to a question about Lithuania’s decision to allow a Taiwanese representative office in its capital under the name ‘Taiwanese,’ Lin emphasized that China’s door to communication with Lithuania remains open and urged the country to ‘redress the mistakes as early as possible’ and return to the ‘right course of upholding the One-China principle.’

China’s Position on Lithuania

The question followed reports that Lithuania had made a strategic mistake by allowing a Taiwanese representative office to open in the capital. Reuters asked whether China would consider restoring full diplomatic relations with Lithuania and what conditions would need to be met first. Lin responded that China has stated its position on China-Lithuania relations multiple times and that it hopes Lithuania will ‘translate the willingness to improve ties with China into action.’

Lin added that China ‘hopes Lithuania will redress the mistakes as early as possible, return to the right course of upholding the One-China principle and build conditions for normalizing relations with China.’ The statement reflects China’s continued diplomatic pressure on Lithuania, which has been a point of contention since the opening of the Taiwanese office in 2021.

China’s Stance on U.S.-Russia Strategic Arms Talks

Regarding the potential for a new U.S.-Russia strategic arms agreement, Lin said China is ‘not familiar with the specifics of the report you mentioned,’ but emphasized that in the long-term interest of global strategic stability, China hopes the U.S. will resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia to discuss the way forward after the New START Treaty expired on Feb. 5.

The New START Treaty, which limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads by the U.S. and Russia, expired on February 5, 2026, after a 10-year extension. Lin’s comments suggest that China is watching the situation closely and hopes for a resolution that promotes global stability.

China’s Response to Panama Canal Contract Cancellation

Addressing questions about the fallout over Panama’s decision to cancel a CK Hutchison contract for the Panama Canal, Lin stated that China has made its position clear on issues related to the ports and referred reporters to competent authorities for specific details. The decision by Panama to cancel the contract has raised concerns about China’s influence in Latin America and the potential impact on regional trade.

Chinese officials have been reportedly asking state firms to halt talks over new projects in Panama as part of a ‘heavy price’ in retaliation for the cancellation. However, Lin did not confirm these reports and instead emphasized that China has made its position clear on the matter.

Growing Global Interest in Chinese Lifestyle

During the press conference, Lin also addressed the growing global interest in Chinese culture and lifestyle, citing recent social media trends and the popularity of the phrase ‘Becoming Chinese.’ He noted that videos showcasing Chinese lifestyle practices have gone viral on various platforms, and that many foreign visitors have praised China as a ‘livable country’ with ‘safe and convenient’ living conditions.

Lin emphasized that the interest in China is no longer limited to traditional symbols such as the Great Wall, kung fu, and pandas, but includes the modern aspects of the country such as high-speed railways, 5G technology, and large-scale infrastructure. He added that the Spring Festival, an iconic symbol of Chinese culture, has seen a significant increase in inbound flight bookings for the festive period, with the number of bookings more than quintupling year-on-year.

According to statistics, in 2025, the number of inbound and outbound travels by foreign nationals surpassed 82 million, up by 26.4 percent year-on-year, and the visa-free entries rose by nearly 50 percent year-on-year. Lin encouraged foreign visitors to come to China for the Spring Festival to experience the country’s ‘joy and hospitality.’

China’s Diplomatic Engagement with Iran

On the final question of the press conference, Lin addressed reports that Iran is holding consultations with Moscow and Beijing ahead of talks with the U.S. on its nuclear program. He confirmed that Deputy Foreign Minister Miao Deyu and Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Feb. 5 and emphasized that China has maintained communication with other parties on relevant issues.

Lin concluded by expressing hope that all parties will resolve differences through dialogue and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable. This statement reflects China’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran and its role in regional stability and security.