Estonian Ambassador Message to China 2009

The Republic of Estonia and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations on 11 September 1991 during the visit of China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Tian Zengpei to Estonia. China opened its embassy in Tallinn in 1992. Since May 2006, China is represented in Estonia by Ambassador Xie Junping. In addition to the Embassy, there is a Chinese Economics and Trade representation and a Defence Attaché office. Estonia was first represented in China beginning in August 1997 by Chargé d’Affaires Andrei Birov and beginning in July 2001 by Malle Kurbel. Estonia’s first Ambassador to China Mait Martinson represented Estonia from 2002 to 2007. The current Estonian Ambassador Andres Unga presented his credentials on 30 September 2007.

Estonia also has a honorary consul Liu Chak-Wan in Macau. Macau region is attractive to the Estonian business community due to its developed infrastructure and strategic geographic positions.

Besides promoting economic relations and co-operation on the international level, Estonia is interested in promoting cultural and educational co-operation with China. Estonia has always supported a "One China Policy" (Estonia considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China's territory). China has expressed its respect for Estonia’s political goals, and views Estonia’s accession to the EU positively.

The X Riigikogu established a 16-member Estonia-China parliamentary group, chaired by Peeter Kreitzberg. The Chairman of the NPC China-Estonian Friendship Group is Liu Yingming.