Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s (NCP) meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday was, according to Finnish media reports, cordial, though trade barriers and relations with Russia were not discussed publicly.

The talks between Prime Minister Orpo and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place early in the morning in Beijing, where Orpo also met Zhao Leji, the chairman of the National People’s Congress.

The highlight of Orpo’s visit to Beijing occurred at the Great Hall of the People during his meeting with President Xi. The session was scheduled for half an hour. During their handshake and at the horseshoe-shaped conference table, Xi, according to the national broadcaster YLE, appeared to be in good spirits.

In his opening remarks, President Xi maintained a formally polite tone and reflected on Finland’s independence, noting how Finns achieved it through sisu.

Xi expressed China’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Finland, believing that such collaboration would foster development and benefit both countries.

Orpo, meanwhile, stated his intention to discuss bilateral relations and current international issues with Xi. However, during the public portion of their meeting, Orpo did not address Finland’s critical perspectives on matters such as China’s economic barriers or its relationship with Russia.

Before the meeting with Xi, discussions took place with Chairman Zhao Leji. During the public portion, Orpo also addressed areas of disagreement between Finland and China.

“Both countries must be concerned about the trade imbalance,” Orpo told Zhao.

Orpo emphasized that the relationship should be based on reciprocity and free market access.

Orpo stated that on Monday, Finland signed 11 trade agreements with their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, six memoranda of understanding were signed during the visit, addressing areas such as sustainable construction, energy cooperation and tourism promotion.