Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized a cooperative stance toward Europe during a high-level meeting with visiting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday.
“China and Europe are partners, not adversaries,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his meeting with the visiting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing on Tuesday.
Cooperation between China and Europe outweighs competition, and their common ground outweighs differences, Xi noted, adding that China hopes Finland will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations.
The remarks underscore Beijing’s push for pragmatic engagement with European nations amid broader geopolitical tensions. Xi’s comments frame bilateral and multilateral ties as opportunity-focused rather than zero-sum.
The meeting builds on longstanding China-Finland diplomatic relations, which marked 75 years of establishment in 2025. Discussions also touched on deepening practical cooperation in fields such as energy transition, circular economy, agriculture, forestry, and scientific innovation. Xi extended a warm invitation to Finnish companies, encouraging them to engage actively in China’s market to enhance their global reach.
Broader talks addressed upholding the UN-centered international system, advancing an equitable multipolar world order, and jointly addressing global challenges through equality and cooperation.
Prime Minister Orpo’s visit to China, which runs from January 25 to 28, includes engagements aimed at sustaining high-level dialogue and exploring mutual benefits in trade, investment, digital economy, and clean energy.
The exchange highlights Finland’s position as a bridge-builder in China-EU dynamics, with both sides expressing interest in stable, mutually beneficial ties.
