Reinsalu (Isamaa) expressed concern about China's plans to change Hong Kong's Basic Law in a way that would restrict its autonomy and violate international agreements, and expressed support for the common position of the European Union - to call on China to respect the "one country, two systems" principle.

Reinsalu added that more efforts towards transatlantic unity should be made when it came to relations with China, in particular on issues of global security.

"It is also crucial to improve information exchange with like-minded partners in Asia and the Pacific," he said.

"Estonia supports the European Union framework for screening third-country investments made into strategic sectors," Reinsalu said. "The security of strategic infrastructure and 5G networks is essential."

"Estonia welcomes Germany's proposal to hold a leaders' meeting in Leipzig," the foreign minister said. "We also need similar meetings with our strategic partners, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and India."

China's action re Hong Kong raising concerns

Reinsalu said at the government's press conference on Thursday that China's recent action regarding Hong Kong raises concerns.

He said: "A Hong Kong security law limiting the autonomy of Hong Kong has been passed in China. Estonia's position with regard to this is unequivocal - we call on China to follow the "one country, two systems" principle that has served as basis for Hong Kong's autonomy. In our view, this development raises concerns."

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