Wang Yi says building mature, stable China-Estonia ties serves shared interests

Building a mature, stable, mutually respectful and win-win China-Estonia relationship aligns with the shared interests of both countries and meets the expectations of their people, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday during his meeting with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Central Committee, noted that Estonia is a country with both a rich history and youthful energy, and that the people of China and Estonia share a tradition of friendship.

Wang emphasized that China has always followed the principle of equality between major and minor countries in developing bilateral relations. He stated that China was among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with Estonia, and next year will mark the 35th anniversary of China-Estonia diplomatic relations.

Despite differences in history, culture and national conditions, Wang emphasized that there are no major unresolved issues or fundamental conflicts of interest between the two countries.

He added that the recent successful conclusion of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee set a strategic plan for China's development over the next five years.

China will further advance deep reforms, high-level opening up and innovation-driven development, injecting strong momentum into its modernization process and creating significant opportunities for other countries' development, Wang said.

China is prepared to mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Estonia as an opportunity to continue fostering friendship, uphold the partnership focus, boost exchanges at all levels and build political trust, he added.

Wang called on both sides to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Regarding the Taiwan question, Wang reiterated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. He pointed out that no country would tolerate violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Stressing that the one-China principle forms the political basis for China's diplomatic relations with other countries, Wang urged Estonia to understand and support China's legitimate position fully and to uphold the one-China policy through concrete actions.

Wang also emphasized that 2025 will be the 50th anniversary of China-Europe diplomatic relations.

He emphasized that history has shown China and Europe are partners and that differences in political systems do not mean rivalry.

The Chinese foreign minister stated that China is willing to negotiate free trade agreements with European countries, align the Belt and Road Initiative with the EU's "Global Gateway" plan, and collaborate to reform and strengthen the global governance system.

Wang also expressed hope that Estonia would play a constructive role in helping Europe reassess its understanding of China and approach China-Europe relations with mutual respect and rational engagement.

Tsahkna said he was pleased to be the first Estonian foreign minister to visit China in a decade.

He praised China's long history and rapid development, highlighted Estonia's commitment to the one-China policy, and expressed a willingness to enhance exchanges, deepen mutual trust, and promote practical cooperation for shared growth.

He expressed gratitude to China for extending its visa-free policy for Estonians, highlighting the benefits for cultural and business exchanges.

Tsahkna reaffirmed Estonia's commitment to international law and the UN Charter, praised China's support for multilateralism, and expressed willingness to collaborate on global issues like climate change.

The two ministers also discussed the Ukraine crisis and other global and regional issues.