China, Estonia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

The corresponding statement was posted on Friday at the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website, where the ministry's official spokesperson Hua Chunying answered questions about Estonian-Chinese relations, which "met with difficulties after the meetings of Estonia's politicians with the Dalai Lama in early 2011."

"On 25th September, China's deputy foreign minister met with the Estonian Ambassador in China. According to the Estonian side, the negative effects of the past few years on Estonian-Chinese relations have been regrettable. The Estonian side attaches great importance to developing friendly relations and cooperation with China, continues to support one-China policy and recognizes Tibet as a clear part of China. [Estonia] does not support any separatist activities or powers, which aspire for the so-called Tibetan independence and undermine territorial integrity of China," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman in response.

Next, he signalled that the Chinese government accepted these confirmations from Estonia and the incident of three years ago is now finally resolved. "The Chinese side confirmed of receiving the above-mentioned statement of Estonia and expressed understanding about their position to handle such sensitive issues in an appropriate manner. The Chinese government attaches paramount importance to friendly and cooperation-ready relations with Estonia. Both sides agreed upon long-term, healthy and ongoing bilateral relationship-building, which is based on mutual respect and equality," added the spokesman.

In August 2011, Pro Patria and Res Publica Union ministers and a president Toomas Hendrik Ilves decided to meet with the Dalai Lama who visited Estonia. At this time, it was said that the decision would have no impact on Estonia's relations with Beijing. Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be different, the same way as in other European countries where such steps were taken by government members. China froze high-level political ties with Estonia – during all this period, no higher state visits have taken place from China to Estonia or vice versa.

Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats made efforts for years to try to revive the frozen relations. Eesti Päevaleht said that according to information available to it, the cold shoulder policy ended with an official letter of the Estonian government, full of apologies, that was handed over this week in Beijing through diplomatic channels.