Finland tells China its support for Russia hinders Ukraine peace

Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has directly conveyed to her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, that Beijing's continued support for Moscow is not conducive to ending the war in Ukraine. The two diplomats met in Helsinki, where Valtonen emphasized Finland's stance during what she described as a constructive conversation.

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Finland's position is that Chinese support for Russia does not contribute to ending the war in Ukraine.

"Finland's position is that Chinese support for Russia does not contribute to ending the war in Ukraine," Valtonen stated, adding that she felt her message was being heard. She stressed the importance of messages from Finland and Europe in the current geopolitical climate. Valtonen argued that China's support for Russia challenges the security of all of Europe, not solely Ukraine.

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I have the impression that they are being heard.

"My personal message is also that if you support an obvious threat to us, as Russia is, you are actually questioning the security of Europe as well," she asserted. Valtonen also noted that Beijing perceives Europe as having increased influence due to its strengthening defense capabilities.

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I consider that, in the current situation, the messages coming from Finland and Europe in general are of great importance.

Beyond the conflict in Ukraine, the Finnish minister also addressed the "deterioration" of human rights in China. Specifically, she mentioned an incident where a Chinese official allegedly pressured Finland's embassy in Beijing to cancel a diversity and inclusion event, the "Rainbow Run." Valtonen confirmed that Finland has addressed this matter through diplomatic channels, deeming China's actions contrary to the Vienna Convention.

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My personal message is also that if you support an obvious threat to us, as Russia is, you are actually questioning the security of Europe as well.