(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JUL 14 - The programme of Mindaugas Sinkevicius' new government was approved today by the Lithuanian Parliament with 72 votes in favour, 29 against, and four abstentions. The programme is essentially similar to that of the two previous Social Democratic governments led by Gintautas Paluckas and Inga Ruginiene, with a strong emphasis on defence spending and the sustainability of the welfare state. The resumption of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, which were strained following the establishment of a Taiwanese trade mission in Vilnius in 2021, is also of particular importance. The new Lithuanian government is backed by a centre-left coalition made up of Prime Minister Sinkevicius' Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, the centrist 'In the Name of Lithuania' movement, the League of Peasants and Greens, and the League of Polish in Lithuania. (ANSA).