Guo Xiaomei, Ambassador of China to Estonia: 'Cultural performances and people–to–people engagement are indispensable bridges'

In an era marked by rising geopolitical tensions, strategic rivalries, and ideological fragmentation, China’s voice on global security, diplomacy, and bilateral relations offers a window into an alternative worldview – one rooted in multilateralism, dialogue, and resistance to what may be unilateral coercion. In an interview with The Baltic Times Magazine, Guo Xiaomei, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Estonia (she assumed the position in September 2023), offers candid insights into China’s stance on peace, trade, soft power, and Estonia’s evolving role in the broader geopolitical equation.

What does the People’s Republic of China consider the greatest threats to global peace? Are the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and, more recently, in Kashmir – on the border between Pakistan and India – viewed by China as equally explosive and destabilizing to global security

As you know, our world today is characterized by entanglement and turbulence. Maintenance of international peace and security faces new challenges. Among others, power politics, Cold War mentality and the rise of unilateralism are the greatest threats. On the international and regional hotspot issues, including the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan, China has always advocated political settlement by candid dialogue, communication and consultation. We call for strengthening strategic communication among countries, enhancing mutual trust, managing differences and eliminating the root causes of international conflicts.

The above-mentioned approaches are also at the core of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The GSI advocates a vision for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Common is for respecting and safeguarding the security of every country; comprehensive refers to a holistic approach, maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains and enhancing security governance in a coordinated way; cooperative calls for a commitment to cooperation, bringing about security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation; and sustainable means resolving conflicts through development and eliminating the breeding ground for insecurity. The GSI has been widely recognized and supported because it meets the universal expectations of the international community and is the right approach to promote durable peace and universal security for mankind.

How does China view U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff-based trade war? What has been China’s response to this strategy? Does China see opportunities as a result of the trade war?

China views it as a typical case of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying, which severely infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, sabotages the rules-based multilateral trading regime, and destabilizes the global economic order.

The Chinese government has expressed firm opposition and has resolutely taken countermeasures in response. China's countermeasures are not only to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests but also to defend international trade rules and international fairness and justice.

Tariffs and trade wars have no winners. China does not want to fight these wars, but is not scared of them either. If forced to fight, China will fight to the end. At the same time, China is open to dialogue, but any dialogue must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. To pressure or coerce China in whatever way simply does not work. No matter through confrontation or negotiation, China will safeguard its legitimate interests and uphold international fairness and justice. China is willing to work with all parties to jointly resist unilateral protectionism and hegemonic bullying, safeguard free trade and multilateralism, and promote the building of an inclusive economic globalization.

With US–EU relations deteriorating, it seems the European Union is working to strengthen ties with China. Do you observe this trend as well? Is China willing to “forgive” what it may perceive as past “bad behavior” by the EU?

China welcomes the positive development of China–EU cooperation in the year of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. There are many important items forthcoming on the agenda between China and the EU, including a new round of the China–EU Summit and high-level dialogues on strategic, economic and trade, environment and climate, and digital fields respectively.

China always views the EU as a strategic partner. There is no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU. The economic ties are strong. Both sides support multilateralism, openness and cooperation. In fact, for China and the EU, cooperation, consensus and opportunities far outweigh competition, differences and risks. When joining hands, they will achieve mutual success and benefit the world.

Is there increased interest and willingness to cooperate with China from Estonia? What promising signs of this cooperation have you observed? What needs to be done to improve mutual collaboration?

I believe that friendly cooperation has always been the main theme of bilateral relations. The high-level exchanges have been maintained, the working-level communications remain very close, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as economic and trade cooperation are always vigorous.

It goes without saying that there are challenges or obstacles, such as the wrong perception of China by some Estonian politicians based on ideological prejudice or misinformation. I hope that on the basis of mutual respect, we can enhance understanding through dialogue, eliminate prejudice through exchanges and promote the healthy development of bilateral relations.

What was the trade volume between China and Estonia in 2024, 2023, and 2022? What trends are emerging from this trade relationship?

According to data from the Estonian Statistics Bureau, the trade volume in goods between China and Estonia was 974 million euros in 2024, 994 million euros in 2023, and 1.164 billion euros in 2022. Although the numbers seem to be declining, the decline is much smaller than that of Estonia's overall trade. China remains Estonia's eighth-largest import trading partner and 16th-largest export trading partner. In terms of trade in services, Estonia's exports to China reached 106 million euros, and Estonia's trade surplus in services with China reached nearly 7 million euros in 2024.

The trade between China and Estonia is highly complementary. I am very happy that Estonian food and agricultural products, including beer and dairy products, are becoming more and more popular in the Chinese market. The Chinese electric vehicles in the Estonian market also provide Estonian consumers with new choices. I believe that there is great potential for the development of China–Estonia trade.

A study by the University of Tartu highlights the growing influence of soft power in Estonia. Could you elaborate on this? What are the most visible cultural connections between China and Estonia? Is it reasonable to view cultural performances and people-to-people engagement as a security concern?

Cultural exchange activities are meant to enhance mutual understanding, rather than the so-called “exert influence”. Chinese culture, with its long history and rich variety, has long been popular with and loved by Estonian friends. Estonia, with its location at the junction of East and West, has a unique and charming culture. It also attracts a steady stream of Chinese tourists. As Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed in his Global Civilization Initiative, let’s make cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and jointly advance the progress of human civilization.

The mission of the Chinese Embassy in Estonia is to promote mutual understanding and deepen friendship between the two peoples. Cultural performances and people–to–people engagement are indispensable bridges. I have difficulty understanding the logic of certain politicians who view them as a security concern. Perhaps it is a manifestation of being narrow-minded and lacking self-confidence. In contrast to this concern, what I find is that Estonian people love cultural exchanges. They have an open mind and a discerning eye.

In September 2024, a delegation from the Estonia-China parliamentary friendship group visited China, engaging with officials in Beijing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Despite the visit's diplomatic intent, the Estonian MPs faced criticism and scrutiny. How does China interpret this reaction?

I have great respect for the members of the delegation and appreciate very much their contribution towards restoring mutual on-site visits by officials of respective countries. The criticism you mentioned was intentional, with the purpose of creating an atmosphere of fear and preventing Estonian politicians from engaging with China. The facts of the subsequent visits and exchanges show that the attempt failed.

Is China considering restoring full embassy representation in Lithuania, given that the current diplomatic representation has been downgraded?

As an old Chinese saying goes, whoever ties the knot is responsible for untying it. The reason why China downgraded diplomatic representation is that the former government of Lithuania had acted in serious violation of the one-China principle and breached the political commitment Lithuania made in the communiqué on the establishment of China–Lithuania diplomatic relations regarding the Taiwan question. We hope the mistakes can be corrected so that bilateral relations can get back on the right track. China is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with Lithuania based on mutual respect. I believe this is also in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of Lithuania.

What are China’s “red lines” when it comes to Western engagement with Taiwan?

The Taiwan question relates to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the core of the core interests of China. There is but one China in the world – Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and the political foundation on which China establishes and develops bilateral relations with other countries, including Western countries. China firmly opposes any action that intends to distort, alter, obscure, hollow out or violate the one-China principle.

What aspects of Estonian culture and language are particularly fascinating or admirable?

I have been in Estonia for nearly two years. I think Estonia is an charming country with a diverse culture. I'm excited to have the opportunity to experience the coming Song Festival in July – a classic cultural custom every five years throughout Estonia. I like Estonian food such as kohuke, glöögi, black bread and kiluvoileib. I'm also really looking forward to trying Mulgipuder in the future, which has been inscribed into UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In my view, Estonian people are hard-working. As Hemingway once said, you can find an Estonian in every port. I also find that Estonian people are very friendly. When my Embassy holds cultural events here, they always love to get involved and enjoy them. When I say a few words in Estonian, like “tere”, they always give me a warm response. Children here are very polite and well-educated.

The Estonian language sounds like singing songs or reciting poems – it’s very gentle and beautiful, just like its speakers.