Finnish diplomats urge more multilateral cooperation, development

Finnish diplomats have highlighted the enduring friendship between the Nordic nation and China over the past 75 years and called for further strengthening practical cooperation in areas including green transition, sustainable development and multilateral engagement.

Finland was among the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1950.

Speaking at a news briefing on Wednesday in Beijing, Jukka Salovaara, permanent state secretary of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, said, "At that time, both nations were rebuilding after World War II, and early relations focused on mutual support, trade and international recognition."

He recalled key bilateral milestones, including the signing of a intergovernmental trade agreement in 1953, the first such agreement China signed with a Western country, and Finnair's launch of the first direct flights from Europe to Beijing in 1988.

Over the decades, bilateral cooperation has expanded across the economy, innovation, education and culture. "Seventy-five years of friendship is a milestone worth celebrating," Salovaara said, adding that it provides a strong foundation for open and constructive dialogue, even on issues where the two sides may not fully agree.

Salovaara said the Joint Action Plan for 2025–2029, issued last year during Finnish President Alexander Stubb's visit to China, has taken cooperation between the two countries to a practical level, enabling both sides to provide expertise while learning from each other.

The plan prioritizes cooperation in circular economy, low-carbon development, clean energy and climate change.

"Both Finland and China have ambitious carbon neutrality targets, and these shared goals will foster joint economic growth and technological collaboration," he said.

He added that there is significant potential to deepen long-term cooperation in sustainable forestry, water management, and other green transition sectors, which will not only benefit the two countries but the planet as a whole.

Finland also looks forward to cooperation with China in packaging, metals and mining, and wastewater treatment, he said.

On Arctic affairs, Salovaara said Finland welcomes China's constructive participation in Arctic governance, as long as it remains peaceful, science-based, and environmentally sustainable.

Speaking of Finland's NATO membership, Salovaara emphasized that joining the defensive alliance "is not aimed at anyone".

"China respects our choice," he said, adding that first and foremost, Finland remains a constructive member of the European Union and believes there is great scope for EU–China cooperation.

Finnish Ambassador to China Mikko Kinnunen echoed Salovaara's view, saying that Finland's NATO membership does not change its foreign policy, including its relations with China.

He also highlighted the two countries' shared commitment to free trade and multilateralism.

Free trade is important for both Finland and China, the ambassador said, adding that multilateralism means doing things together and finding consensus.