China-Estonia ties celebrated on historic visit

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China stands ready to work with the European Union to discuss a free trade agreement, align the Belt and Road Initiative with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, and jointly promote reform and improvement of the global governance system, during talks with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Beijing on Tuesday.

Tsahkna began a three-day visit to China on Tuesday, becoming the first Estonian foreign minister to visit the country in a decade.

Marking this year's 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Wang said history has shown that China and Europe are partners, rather than rivals. He expressed hope that Estonia will play a constructive role in encouraging the EU to view and develop its relations with China in a spirit of mutual respect and rational engagement.

Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Estonia. Wang noted that although the two countries differ in history, culture and national conditions, they share no fundamental conflicts of interest.

China, he added, is willing to take the 35th anniversary as an opportunity to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people ties to consolidate the positive momentum of bilateral ties.

On the Taiwan question, Wang reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of China's diplomatic relations with all countries. He expressed hope that Estonia would fully understand and support China's legitimate position and take concrete actions to uphold the one-China policy.

Tsahkna said Estonia attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China policy. He thanked China for extending its visa-free policy for Estonian citizens, saying it will facilitate people-to-people exchanges and business cooperation.

He also commended China's support for multilateralism and expressed the country's readiness to work with China in addressing global challenges such as climate change.