Taiwan is planning to open a representative office in Tallinn, Estonia, which has sparked concern from China. The Chinese envoy, Guo Xiaomei, warned that the office would breach its „one China” policy, which requires countries with diplomatic ties with China to acknowledge that the People’s Republic of China is the legal representative of China.
Beijing also claims sovereignty over Taiwan, although the Chinese Communist Party government has never ruled there. However, Estonian leaders argue that the office, which would be opened in the name of „Taipei” rather than „Taiwan,” does not violate its commitments to China.
The Estonian minister explained that Estonia not recognise Taiwan as a state and does is not developing political relations with Taiwan as part of the 'One China Policy.’ Instead, it supports Taiwan’s participation in international life, such as the fight against pandemics and attendance at the World Health Assembly. Taiwan has not been allowed to join meetings of the World Health Organisation’s decision-making body due to Chinese pressure.
Estonia and Taiwan have affirmed the importance of establishing an office for strengthening bilateral exchanges, but there has not yet been a consensus. Lithuania has faced similar issues with China, including tariffs and sanctions on companies sourcing Lithuanian parts. The European Union has also accused China of „coercion” and asked the World Trade Organization to intervene.
China’s response to Taiwan’s move will determine whether it has learned from its previous actions against Lithuania and EU-China ties.
