On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Finnish businesses to "immerse themselves in the vast ocean of the Chinese market" to enhance their global competitiveness.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who is visiting China. Both sides called for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy transformation, the circular economy, agriculture and forestry, and science and technology innovation.

Xi recalled that Finland was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Over the 76 years since their establishment, China-Finland relations, based on mutual respect, equality, a forward-looking approach, and mutually beneficial cooperation, have enjoyed stable development regardless of changes in the international environment.

He also stated that this year marks the beginning of China's 15th five-year plan, and that the country will continue to pursue high-quality development and expand its openness to the world at a high level.

According to Xi, Finland is a major power in winter sports, and China has also become a significant winter sports nation. Both sides, therefore, called for strengthening exchanges and cooperation in this area and for fostering friendship based on winter sports.

At the same time, he welcomed more Finnish visitors to China to experience firsthand the country's blend of ancient heritage and modern vitality.

Xi further emphasized that in a world facing many risks and challenges, the international community should move forward together. According to him, major countries should set an example in promoting equality, upholding the rule of law, fostering cooperation, and maintaining integrity.

China is ready to work with Finland to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, in order to jointly address global challenges.

China is also ready to work with Finland to promote a just and orderly multipolar world and inclusive and beneficial economic globalization.

China and Europe are partners, not rivals, Xi emphasized. Cooperation between China and Europe outweighs competition, and common interests outweigh differences, he added. He expressed hope that Finland would play a constructive role in supporting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations.

Prime Minister Orpo stated that Finnish companies are very interested in cooperation in China, and emphasized that Finland is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen high-level contacts, and deepen practical cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, the digital economy, clean energy, agriculture, and other sectors.

Orpo also confirmed that Finland firmly adheres to the one-China policy. He added that Finland appreciates China's important and constructive role in international affairs and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly protect world peace and stability.

He also emphasized that the constructive development of relations between Europe and China is of great importance. According to him, Finland supports European strategic autonomy, free trade, and is ready to play a positive role in finding appropriate solutions to trade disputes between Europe and China and in promoting the healthy development of their relations.

CMG