STALEMATE:
Nikkei Asia cited two sources saying that after China’s sanctions on Lithuania they are worried Estonia would find little support in such a situation
By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday said it is willing to have practical discussions with Estonia on improving bilateral relations and mutual understanding, after a news report said that Taiwan’s plan to open a de facto embassy in Estonia has been blocked for two years due to a disagreement over its name.
The report published by the Nikkei Asia yesterday, titled “Taiwan’s plan to set up mission in Estonia hits wall over name,” said that while the Estonian government in 2023 permitted Taiwan to open a representative office in Tallinn, it has not opened yet.
“Estonia and Taiwan are stuck in a stalemate over plans to open a de facto Taiwanese embassy in Tallinn, according to multiple sources,” it said.
Photo: Fang Wei-li, Taipei Times
It cited a source as saying that Taipei wants the office to be named in the same format as its Vilnius office, the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, but “Estonia has insisted on using ‘Taipei’ out of concern about a Chinese backlash.”
The Nikkei Asia, citing its previous report about Taiwan and Canada not signing a deal months after it was agreed on, said the two episodes suggest that “although many countries are concerned about China as a strategic rival and potential security threat, they remain hesitant to enhance relations with Taiwan in fear of antagonizing Beijing.”
The Japanese news outlet also cited two sources who mentioned China’s economic sanctions on Vilnius after the opening of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, and said that Estonia would struggle to find any help from other EU countries in such a situation.
The Nikkei Asia reported that the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had not received any request from Taiwan to open an office, and Tallinn continues to follow its “one China” policy.
The report said MOFA responded that Taiwan and Estonia have “friendly” exchanges in “various fields,” rooted in common values of democracy and human rights.
The Nikkei Asia cited two analysts suggesting that Taiwan should open a mission in Estonia regardless of its name, and demonstrate institutional momentum and establish substantive engagement.
When asked about the matter, MOFA said Taiwan and Estonia have good relations and close interactions in various fields.
“Based on common values of democracy, freedom and human rights, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded partners, including Estonia,” it said.
Additional reporting by Fan Wei-li