Finland Regrets Deepening China-Russia Ties After Minister Talks

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Helsinki, expressing regret over the deepening partnership between China and Russia. Valtonen stated that Finland, along with other European nations, takes a serious view of China's relationship with Russia, especially given Europe's position as China's most crucial trading partner.

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I spoke for a ceasefire.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader implications for global peace. Valtonen conveyed Finland's call for a ceasefire in Ukraine. "I spoke for a ceasefire," Valtonen told reporters after the meeting. She also shared her perspective that China likely recognizes Russia's weakening position and the absence of a viable military solution to the conflict.

During their conversation, Valtonen also raised concerns regarding China's human rights situation. She reiterated Finland's foreign policy commitment to democracy, international law, and human rights. The meeting also touched upon the incident where Chinese authorities pressured the Finnish embassy in Beijing to cancel a Pride event in May-June. Valtonen described China's actions as a violation of the Vienna Convention, a matter that has been addressed through diplomatic channels.

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I believe that China sees Russia's power as ultimately quite weak and that there is no military solution [to the war in Ukraine].

The ministers also briefly discussed the situations in the Middle East and at the United Nations. Wang Yi's visit to Finland is part of a Nordic tour that began in Denmark and will also include Norway. This marks the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Finland since 2004.

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China's actions were contrary to the Vienna Convention, and the matter has been handled diplomatically.