China’s support for peace in Ukraine is important: PM

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Tuesday urged China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to work towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to the security of Finland and Europe as a whole. I call on China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to work towards a lasting peace in Ukraine,” said the Premier at a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, said an official press release.

On Tuesday, Orpo also held separate discussions his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.

In all three discussions, Orpo highlighted Finland’s and Europe’s support for Ukraine, EU-China relations and a variety of bilateral issues, including increasing Finland’s exports to China.

At the meeting with Xi Jinping, Orpo noted that China’s support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is the most significant issue undermining the EU-China relationship.

He also stressed the importance of EU-China relations at the global level.

“The relationship between the EU and China is critical in the current global situation. The EU and China are economic giants whose relationship plays a major role in global economic development. It is important to promote trade between the EU and China that is based on reciprocity and a level playing field,” said Orpo.

In his discussions with the Chinese leaders, the Prime Minister also highlighted the long-standing political and economic relationship between Finland and China.

He called attention to human rights and climate issues, as well as the trade imbalance between China and Finland, which is in China’s favour.

In the meeting between Orpo and Li Qiang, the two premiers signed Memoranda of Understanding outlining future cooperation between their countries.

The Memoranda of Understanding concern sustainable construction, energy cooperation, animal disease management and the activities of the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation.

The prime ministers also signed a Letter of Intent on promoting tourism and a protocol to scientific and technological consultations held in autumn 2025.