Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Estonia FM Urges China to Pressure Russia on Ukraine War
Imagine Estonia's top diplomat, like a school principal, visited China.
He talked to China's leaders because he wants them to help stop a big fight happening far away, where Russia is involved.
Estonia's diplomat believes China has a lot of influence over Russia, like a parent who can tell their child what to do.
He asked China to use this influence to tell Russia to stop fighting and make peace.
He also mentioned that China supplies things Russia uses for its war, and he wants China to stop that.
China said it's not part of the fight and doesn't send the things Russia needs for war.
They also talked about business, like making important parts for electronics.
Estonia has a small factory that makes these parts, but China makes almost all of them in the world.
The diplomat hopes China will be fair about selling these parts so everyone can get them.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna urged China to cease economic support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Tsahkna called on China to join US and European efforts to pressure Russia for a ceasefire.
The Estonian FM raised concerns about China supplying dual-use components that fuel Russian war efforts.
Discussions also covered an EU-China free trade agreement and China's control over rare earth exports.
Estonia views Moscow as a primary security threat, citing recent Russian airspace violations near NATO countries.
- Who
- Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Chinese officials including Wang Yi
- What
- Estonian FM urged China to stop economic support for Russia's war in Ukraine and join US/European pressure for a ceasefire. They also discussed EU-China trade and China's control of rare earth exports.
- When
- During a two-day visit to Beijing in the week of the interview (Tuesday implied)
- Where
- Beijing
- Why
- To persuade China to use its economic leverage over Russia to end the war in Ukraine and discuss trade issues.
Estonia's Stance
China's Stance
China's Role in Russia's War
Estonia's Stance
China has significant economic leverage over Russia and should use it to pressure Moscow for a ceasefire in Ukraine. China's perceived support for Russia has impacted EU-China relations.
China's Stance
China states it is not a party to the military conflict and strictly controls exports of dual-use items, denying accusations of supplying critical components to fuel Russian war efforts.
Impact of China's Support for Russia on Trade
Estonia's Stance
China's support for Russia may slow down the completion of an EU-China free trade agreement.
China's Stance
While discussions on an EU-China free trade agreement are ongoing, China's position on its support for Russia is not explicitly addressed as a barrier from their perspective in this context.
- Estonian Foreign Minister
- Margus Tsahkna
- Chinese Counterpart
- Wang Yi
- Location of Meetings
- Beijing
- Duration of Visit
- Two-day
- Estonia's Rare Earth Production
- One of the few outside China, with an EU-funded factory opened in September.
- China's Rare Earth Market Share
- More than 90% of global supply.