Latvia Becomes 2nd EU State To Pull Out Of CEE-China Co-op Framework

The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it is ceasing participation in the CEE-China Cooperation Framework, becoming the second Baltic state to do so after neighbouring Lithuania withdrew in 2021.

• MFA statement: "In view of the current priorities of Latvian foreign and trade policy, Latvia has decided to cease its participation in the cooperation framework of Central and Eastern European Countries and China. Latvia will continue to strive for constructive and pragmatic relations with China both bilaterally, as well as through EU-China cooperation based on mutual benefit, respect for international law, human rights and the international rules-based order."
• Previously known as the '17+1' format due to the number of countries involved, this became the 16+1 in March 2021 when the Lithuanian gov't withdrew from the structure at the same time as allowing the opening of a 'Taiwan Representative Office' in Vilnius. This caused a major diplomatic row between Beijing and Vilnius, between China and the EU, as well as divisions within Lithuanian politics.
• Unclear whether the Latvian gov't is going to pursue a similar pro-Taiwan policy, but timing is curious given recent escalation in tensions between China and the US (and the wider US-aligned West) over Taiwan.