Chinese market vast ocean for Finnish and other European firms to swim in: China Daily editorial

President Xi Jinping's meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing on Tuesday highlighted the vitality and forward-looking nature of China-Finland relations, sending a clear signal that cooperation, mutual trust and multilateral coordination should be the defining features of bilateral ties.

Over the past 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Finland relations, characterized by mutual respect, equality, future orientation and win-win cooperation, have achieved steady growth regardless of how the international landscape has evolved. The stability of the relationship reflects that perseverance and self-reliance are cherished by both peoples and provides a foundation for further deepening cooperation.

Their meeting came at a critical moment. This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), during which the country will continue to advance high-quality development and expand high-standard opening-up to the rest of the world. Against this backdrop, China-Finland cooperation based on complementary economic structures holds great potential and promises tangible benefits for both sides.

Practical cooperation has long been a highlight of bilateral relations. From clean energy to environmental protection, from forestry and agriculture to advanced manufacturing and scientific research, the two countries have demonstrated how different development paths can converge into mutually beneficial outcomes. Looking ahead, both sides can further tap cooperation opportunities in the energy transition, circular economy, agriculture and forestry, and scientific and technological innovation, creating more flagship projects.

China welcomes Finnish companies to swim in the vast ocean of the Chinese market to enhance their global competitiveness, as Xi said. It is good to hear Orpo say that Finnish companies have a strong interest in cooperating with China, expressing Finland's willingness to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, the digital economy, clean energy and agriculture.

At the same time, cooperation in winter sports offers a unique avenue to deepen mutual understanding. As a traditional powerhouse in winter sports, Finland shares strong common ground with China, a major winter sports nation, providing fertile soil for continued exchanges and friendship. Notably, Xi welcomed more Finnish people to visit China and experience its blend of ancient heritage and modern vitality.

As Xi stressed, China is also ready to work with Finland to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, to jointly respond to global challenges.

This commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law is especially valuable at a time when protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise, posing serious challenges to global stability and development. Major countries, in particular, should take the lead in upholding equality, cooperation and integrity. China is willing to work with Finland to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world as well as a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

As an important trading partner for China in Northern Europe, Finland occupies a unique position within the EU framework. China-Finland relations should thus extend beyond bilateral cooperation to the broader relationship between China and the European Union.

China and Europe are not adversaries but partners with shared interests and responsibilities, especially in safeguarding the multilateral world order. Their cooperation outweighs the competition, and their common ground outweighs differences, Xi noted. China hopes Finland will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe ties.

Orpo's remarks during the meeting also underscored Finland's openness and constructive attitude in these regards. He reaffirmed Finland's adherence to the one-China policy, praised China's remarkable development achievements, and acknowledged China's important and constructive role in international affairs. His emphasis on Finland's readiness to strengthen communication and coordination with China, support free trade, advocate European strategic autonomy, and play a positive role in promoting the healthy development of China-EU relations shows the Finnish side's awareness of the importance of Sino-Finnish ties within the framework of China-EU relations.

By enhancing mutual trust, expanding exchanges and deepening cooperation, China and Finland can continue to bring tangible benefits to their peoples, advance their ties, and help steady China-EU relations.