BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday invited Finnish enterprises to “take a swim in the vast ocean of the Chinese market” to boost their global competitiveness, as he held talks with visiting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing.
During the meeting, Xi called for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Finland in key areas including energy transition, circular economy, agriculture and forestry industries, and scientific and technological innovation.
Recalling that Finland was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, Xi noted that bilateral ties had shown steady growth over the past 76 years, regardless of shifts in the global political landscape.
“China-Finland relations, characterized by mutual respect, equality, future orientation and win-win cooperation, have continued to advance,” Xi said.
Noting that 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi said China would continue to pursue high-quality development and expand high-standard opening-up to the world, creating broader opportunities for foreign businesses.
Highlighting shared strengths in winter sports, Xi said both countries should expand cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in the sector to further strengthen bilateral ties. He also welcomed more Finnish citizens to visit China and experience its “ancient heritage and modern vitality”.
Global Cooperation, China-Europe Ties
Addressing global challenges, Xi said the international community must respond collectively to mounting risks, stressing that major countries should set an example by promoting equality, rule of law, cooperation and integrity.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to upholding the United Nations-centered international system and the international order based on international law, and expressed readiness to work with Finland to promote a more equitable multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.
Turning to Europe-China relations, Xi emphasized that China and Europe are partners, not rivals, noting that cooperation outweighs competition and shared interests exceed differences.
He said China hoped Finland would play a constructive role in promoting stable and healthy China-Europe relations.
Finland Reaffirms One-China Policy
Prime Minister Orpo said Finnish enterprises were keen to expand cooperation with China, and that Finland was ready to implement the consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders.
He said Finland sought deeper cooperation with China in trade, investment, digital economy, clean energy and agriculture, while reaffirming Finland’s firm commitment to the one-China policy.
Orpo also praised China’s “important and constructive role” in international affairs and said Finland was willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Beijing to jointly safeguard global peace and stability.
Stressing the importance of sound Europe-China relations, Orpo said Finland supported Europe’s strategic autonomy, free trade, and stood ready to help resolve trade frictions between Europe and China to promote stable and balanced ties.
