On April 7, 2025, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning met with Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Jussi Halla-aho in Beijing.
- Next Article Orpo urges EU unity after Trump tariff move
Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Jussi Halla-aho concluded a four-day visit to China on 9 April 2025. The visit marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and China. It followed an invitation from Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.
Halla-aho was accompanied by Finnish Members of Parliament Jouni Ovaska and Saara-Sofia Sirén.
The delegation held formal discussions in Beijing and Shanghai. The agenda focused on political cooperation, economic exchanges, and global affairs.
On 7 April, the Finnish delegation met with top Chinese officials in Beijing. These included Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
Talks in Beijing focused on consolidating mutual trust and expanding bilateral cooperation. Both sides affirmed the significance of long-term political dialogue. Trade, scientific collaboration, and legislative exchange were highlighted as priority areas.
The discussions also included global and regional issues. Finland raised the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The parties discussed the state of EU-China relations and developments in East Asia. China-US relations were also addressed.
In his remarks, Halla-aho reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to the one-China policy. He noted Finland’s interest in strengthening cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. He also acknowledged China’s role in science and technological development.
Chinese officials expressed willingness to enhance ties with Finland. Zhao Leji referred to the outcomes of previous presidential-level meetings. He stated China would implement the agreements made between the countries’ heads of state.
Wang Huning highlighted the 2024 meeting between President Xi Jinping and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. He said this meeting laid groundwork for future cooperation. He called for increased engagement in governance and innovation between both nations.
In addition to political meetings, the delegation visited Shanghai. In Shanghai, the focus was economic engagement. The delegation met with Chen Jining, Party Secretary of the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Huan Lixin, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress.
Meetings in Shanghai included talks with Finnish companies operating in the Chinese market. Discussions centred on business conditions, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities.
The Finnish delegation noted the presence of Finnish enterprises in the region. These include firms involved in clean energy, logistics, digital services, and machinery. The visit provided an opportunity to assess business performance and market access.
China described the economic segment of the visit as a practical measure to boost trade and investment. Both sides discussed maintaining open markets and ensuring predictability in trade relations.
The Finnish Embassy in Beijing confirmed that the visit featured multiple cultural and diplomatic activities. A commemorative logo marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations was unveiled earlier in the year.
According to official Chinese
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
