Attendance at Taiwan’s National Day reception was protested by China. Estonian MP: Continue to actively interact with Taiwan

(Central News Agency reporter Youyao Ru, Vilnius, 17th) The Chinese Embassy in Estonia recently issued a diplomatic note to Patriotism regarding the attendance of many Estonian MPs at the Taiwan National Day reception. Pekedo, chairman of the Taiwan-loving Friendship Group of the Estonian Parliament, said that Taiwan is a partner worth cooperating with, and relevant protests will not affect the willingness of parliamentarians to interact with Taiwan.

The Estonian Public Broadcasting Company (ERR) reported on the 16th that the Taiwan Representative Office in Latvia held a National Day reception in Tallinn on September 29, and many Estonian MPs attended. The Chinese Embassy in Estonia subsequently submitted a diplomatic note to the Estonian Parliament, expressing concern about the members' attendance at the event and calling on relevant people to be cautious in their words and deeds involving Taiwan.

The report pointed out that the Chinese Embassy has also lodged diplomatic protests in the past over Estonian members of parliament’s interactions with Taiwan. The most recent time was this summer when members of the Patriotic Congress’ Taiwan Friendship Group visited Taiwan.

In this regard, Kristo Enn Vaga said that every time a member of the Estonian Taiwan Friendship Group attends a Taiwan-related event, the Chinese Embassy will submit a diplomatic note, which has become a routine. "When China writes and says that I or other members of Congress have done something wrong, I take it as a compliment because it must mean I have done something right."

Pekedo emphasized that although Estonia maintains diplomatic relations with China, foreign countries have no right to decide what activities Estonian members of parliament can or cannot engage in.

Pekedo also said that Taiwan is a worthy partner; Taiwan and Estonia have cooperated to promote a number of projects, including joint support for Ukraine. For example, he gave the example of a family housing project built in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, funded by the Taiwanese government and implemented by Estonian humanitarian agencies, which was launched at the end of this summer.

Pekedo also mentioned that Estonia is gradually reducing its economic cooperation with China. He pointed out that the annual report of Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service had recommended reducing reliance on China, especially in the field of science and technology, to reduce potential security risks.

According to reports, Pector emphasized: "I personally and many of my colleagues intend to continue to actively interact with Taiwan as in the past. China's criticism or diplomatic notes will never change this."