Xi told the Finnish prime minister that Helsinki companies are welcome to “swim freely” in China’s “vast market”.
Published January 27, 2026
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing, declaring that the Chinese government is willing to strengthen mutual trust, strengthen communication and deepen economic cooperation with Finland.
Mr. Olupo visited the Chinese capital on Tuesday as part of a four-day visit to China that began on Sunday, where he met with Mr. Xi and other leaders.
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During the meeting, Xi told Olpo that Finnish companies are welcome to “swim freely” in the “vast” Chinese market, state news agency Xinhua reported.
Xi also expressed readiness to cooperate with Finland “to firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations” in accordance with international law, adding that Beijing seeks to “promote a fair and orderly multipolar world.”
According to Xinhua news agency, the two leaders also discussed cooperation in areas such as energy transition, agriculture and forestry.
Mr Orpo met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday and called on Finland to urge the European Union to be cautious in its use of restrictive trade and economic measures.
During the meeting, Wang urged Orpo to oppose protectionism and “create a fair, open and predictable policy environment” for Chinese companies, according to China’s state-run Global Times newspaper.
China’s Ministry of Commerce had earlier announced that the two countries would sign an agreement on business cooperation.
Orpo will be accompanied by executives from more than 20 Finnish companies spanning machinery, forestry, innovation, clean energy and food.
The Global Times reported that the Finnish leader will also meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji.
For many years, China has been Finland’s largest trading partner in Asia, and Helsinki is Beijing’s third-largest trading partner in Northern Europe. Finland was also one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with China.
According to the Global Times, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are also scheduled to visit China soon, in what China calls a “coordination of European foreign policy” reflecting a pragmatic and multilateral outward orientation.
