Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that it is willing to continue discussions in the spirit of mutual benefit with Estonia, following reports of complications with Taiwan’s pending Estonia-based representative office. While the two enjoy friendly relations, the issue of what to call the office has caused a “stalemate” in its establishment, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

The issue has been ongoing for two years, since the matter first arose in 2023, after Taiwan announced its intent to establish a mission office in Estonia. A local Estonian news report quoted the Estonian Foreign Minister Marhus Tsahkna saying that the government would use “Taipei” for the representative office to adhere to the “One China policy.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry underscored that Taiwan and Estonia share values of freedom and democracy, and that it would continue to strengthen exchanges with Estonia and other like-minded countries.

Chinese pressure over the issue occurred shortly after the news of the office proposal. Analysts have warned that Estonia could face retaliation from China, such as trade restrictions, if it were to allow a representative office bearing the name of “Taiwan” or “Taiwanese,” similar to that faced by Lithuania in 2022.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has maintained, however, that the issue is still under discussion, emphasizing its “open attitude” on the matter. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) noted in 2024 that the issue was complex, due to the nature of international politics involved, but said the ministry would continue to push for the office.