China's Ambassador to Estonia, Guo Xiaomei, emphasizes that cultural performances and personal interactions serve as vital links between the two nations.
Amid growing international turbulence and geopolitical rivalries, the voice of China on matters of global security, diplomacy, and bilateral relations offers a unique perspective—one rooted in multilateralism, dialogue, and resistance to unilateral coercion. In an interview with The Baltic Times Magazine, Ambassador Guo Xiaomei, China's envoy to Estonia (appointed in September 2023), provides candid insights into China's standpoints on peace, trade, soft power, and Estonia's evolving role in the global geopolitical landscape.
Replying to a question about the gravest threats to global peace, Ambassador Guo points towards power politics, Cold War mentality, and the rise of unilateralism as the main menaces. When asked about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Kashmir, she advocates for diplomatic settlements through dialogue, communication, and consultation.
A key aspect of China's approach is its Global Security Initiative (GSI), a vision for collective, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security proposed by President Xi Jinping. According to the GSI, security must be sought through respecting every nation's security, adopting a comprehensive strategy that encompasses traditional and non-traditional threats, committing to cooperation, and resolving conflicts through development. The initiative has gained wide recognition and support for addressing universal expectations of international security.
Regarding the trade war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ambassador Guo labels it as unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion, violating World Trade Organization rules and destabilizing the global economic order. China has retaliated, maintaining that these countermeasures are intended to safeguard its rights and interests while defending trade rules and international fairness. Tariffs and trade wars, according to China, have no winners, and dialogue, based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit, is the preferred path forward.
With U.S.-EU relations deteriorating, China has been keen on strengthening ties with the European Union. The ambassador acknowledges the positive development of China-EU cooperation, with a new round of the China-EU Summit and high-level dialogues scheduled on strategic, economic, trade, environmental, and digital issues, respectively. She asserts that both China and the EU support multilateralism, openness, and cooperation, with opportunities for mutual success far outweighing the risks and differences.
Asked about Estonia's growing interest and willingness to cooperate with China, Ambassador Guo highlights the strong trade relationship between the two nations, with Estonia being China's eighth-largest import trading partner and 16th-largest export trading partner. She praises the complementarity of their trade and looks forward to increased cultural exchanges and mutual understanding as key drivers for continuous collaboration.
In a study by the University of Tartu, the growing influence of soft power in Estonia is highlighted, with cultural performances and people-to-people engagement noted as significant factors. Ambassador Guo believes that cultural exchange activities help foster mutual understanding and deepen friendships between the two nations. She expresses her hope that dialogue and exchanges eliminate misconceptions and sustain the healthy development of bilateral relations.
In conclusion, China's stance on global peace emphasizes respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development interests, while it perceives external pressures, particularly U.S. actions, as existential threats. In regional conflicts, China advocates for dialogue and negotiation, and it promotes its Global Security Initiative as an alternative to U.S.-led security frameworks. Regarding trade disputes, China portrays U.S. tariffs and pressure as part of a broader containment strategy, adversely impacting global economic security. China remains focused on strengthening multilateral partnerships and fostering mutual understanding and cooperation with nations such as Estonia.
- In response to a question about global peace threats, Ambassador Guo emphasizes that power politics, Cold War mentality, and the rise of unilateralism are primary concerns.
- China supports diplomatic settlements through dialogue, communication, and consultation to address ongoing conflicts in regions like Ukraine, the Middle East, and Kashmir.
- Regarding Estonia's cultural influence, Ambassador Guo sees cultural exchange activities as key factors in fostering mutual understanding and deepening relationships between the two nations.
