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An EU country is defiantly reaffirming its stance on China, declaring the nation as both a partner and a rival. Despite strong warnings from Beijing, Estonia is doubling down on its decision to allow Taiwan to establish a representative office in Tallinn.<\/p>\n
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasised the country’s openness to Taipei creating non-diplomatic economic or cultural representations in the capital.<\/p>\n
However, he clarified that Estonia does not formally recognise Taiwan as a state, in line with the One China Policy.<\/p>\n
China has escalated diplomatic pressure on Estonia, urging strict adherence to the one-China principle and cautioning against any official organisation being set up by Taiwan in Tallinn.<\/p>\n
China vehemently claims Taiwan as its own, and any recognition of the island’s sovereignty is met with sensitivity.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> World’s most remote corner shop dangling off the edge of a cliff in China<\/strong><\/p>\n Tsahkna underscored that Estonia’s decision aligns with EU policy, emphasising the importance of a unified EU approach to China. The move is seen as part of Estonia’s broader strategy to cooperate with like-minded partners and promote a unified stance among democracies.<\/p>\n He told Euronews: “As many other European Union countries, Estonia is ready to accept the creation of Taipei\u2019s non-diplomatic economic or cultural representations.”<\/p>\n “Estonia does not recognise Taiwan as a state. As part of the \u2018One China Policy\u2019, we are not developing political relations with Taiwan,” he added.<\/p>\n “At the same time, we consider it important to boost relations in domains such as the economy, education, culture, relations between NGOs, and other similar fields.<\/p>\n “We also support Taiwan\u2019s participation in international life in areas of global importance, such as the fight against pandemics and Taiwan\u2019s attendance at the World Health Assembly,” he added.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> “Developing relations of this kind is not in conflict with the \u2018One China policy.”<\/p>\n He continued: “In our relations with China, our aim is a unified policy of the European Union and the development of broad cooperation with like-minded partners, mainly our transatlantic allies. The more unified we are in our policy towards China, the better for all democracies.<\/p>\n “As the European Union, we have declared we consider China a partner, a competitor and a rival. All these aspects must be taken into consideration in our policy towards China.”<\/p>\n Lithuania also faced economic repercussions from China after allowing Taiwan to establish a de facto embassy in Vilnius in 2021. Despite Lithuania standing firm, there are indications of a potential softening of its Taiwan policy.<\/p>\n Estonia stressed the need for a constructive relationship with Beijing, focusing on addressing global challenges and resolving differences peacefully. The country urged China to adhere to a rules-based world order and not support Russia’s aggression. Fundamental values, including democracy and human rights, remain at the forefront of Estonia’s communication with Chinese representatives.<\/p>\n
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