President Xi Jinping tells Finland’s PM China will uphold the UN-based international system, amid global concerns over US plans for a new “Board of Peace”.
BEIJING: President Xi Jinping said China seeks to uphold the United Nations-based world order during a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Xi made the remarks in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People as Western leaders increasingly court China following policy shifts from the United States.
“China is willing to work with Finland to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core,” state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi as saying.
His comments follow US President Donald Trump’s unveiling of a new “Board of Peace” this month, a move sparking concerns it aims to rival the UN.
China has been invited to join Trump’s new grouping but has not confirmed its participation.
Prime Minister Orpo said he looked forward to discussing international issues and bilateral cooperation with Xi.
Orpo’s four-day visit joins recent trips by Canadian, French, and British leaders to Beijing as Trump’s policies prompt allies to pivot.
Despite warm overtures, Beijing and Helsinki disagree on issues including Russia’s war in Ukraine and Arctic influence.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said in November China was “massively” financing Russia’s war efforts.
China, a major Russian trading partner, says it is neutral on the Ukraine war and has never condemned Moscow’s invasion.
NATO chief Mark Rutte has called for a collective defence strategy to protect Arctic nations like Finland from increased Russian and Chinese activity.
