Secretary General Vseviov in China: we are expecting Chinese cooperation in the criminal investigation into the damage to submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea
On 11 and 12 November, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov was on a visit to China, where he met with Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Li to talk about Russia’s war in Ukraine, bilateral relations and the investigation into the damage to submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
At his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Li, Vseviov said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was Estonia’s absolute priority that informed our assessment of all other international issues. “The aim of Estonia’s efforts is a just and long-lasting peace that can only be achieved with Ukraine’s participation and when Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been ensured. There can be no concessions or compromises when it comes to these terms,” the secretary general emphasised.
Vseviov underlined Estonia’s categorical condemnation of the involvement of North Korea in Russia’s war of aggression in Europe and called on China to use its influence to prevent this dangerous escalation. Vseviov also called for refraining from any support to Russia’s aggression, including from shipments of dual-use equipment.
Speaking about the investigation into the damage to submarine infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which is led by Estonia and Finland and where the suspected perpetrator is Chinese vessel Newnew Polar Bear, Vseviov called on China to respond to the request for legal assistance submitted last year. “We are waiting for Chinese authorities to complete the procedures concerning Newnew Polar Bear and its crew, so that we can end the investigation,” Vseviov said.
The meeting also covered European Union-China relations and China’s relations with Russia, and the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the aggression against Ukraine. At the meeting, Vseviov also underlined the importance of human rights and, in light of Estonia’s current co-chairmanship of the Media Freedom Coalition, our increased attention on media freedom and the protection of journalists.
During his visit, the secretary general met with the Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC, the EU ambassador and ambassadors of other EU states in China, the president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, and professors of international relations at the Tsinghua University.
From Beijing, the secretary general will travel to Japan on 13 and 14 November and to South Korea on 15 November.
avalike suhete osakond
