China, Finland Seek Closer Ties as Arctic and Global Alliances Shift

China’s President Xi Jinping has called on China and Finland to work together to uphold a UN-centred international system and promote a multipolar world driven by economic globalisation, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.

During talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Tuesday, Xi said Beijing was ready to deepen cooperation with Helsinki and expressed hope that Finland would play a constructive role in fostering stable and healthy China-EU relations.

Orpo’s visit comes as shifting global dynamics — including US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy and strained ties with traditional allies — prompt European nations to diversify their international partnerships.

The talks also unfolded against growing concern over Arctic security, a topic highlighted at last week’s World Economic Forum in Davos. Attention intensified after Trump threatened to seize Greenland and block China and Russia from expanding influence in the Arctic, though tensions appeared to ease after Washington said it had secured permanent access to the Danish territory.

Arctic security remains a strategic priority for Finland, its Nato partners and China, particularly as melting ice opens faster shipping routes between Asia and Europe, potentially cutting transit times nearly in half.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has called for Nato to agree on a dedicated Arctic security framework at its July summit, similar to last year’s commitment to higher defence spending. Around one-third of Finland lies above the Arctic Circle, while China has designated itself a “near-Arctic state” and is pursuing plans for a “Polar Silk Road”.

Stubb also raised concerns over North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, describing it as a provocation for Nato and the EU.

Orpo reiterated an invitation for Xi to visit Finland at a mutually convenient time and said Finland’s parliamentary speaker, Jussi Halla-aho, had invited China’s top legislator Zhao Leji for an official visit.