Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo Begins Four-Day Official Visit to China

Finnish Prime Minister Arrives in Beijing for Official Visit

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo arrived in Beijing, China, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, for a four-day official visit. The trip is set to conclude on January 28 and includes a comprehensive agenda focused on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering economic cooperation between Finland and China.

Prime Minister Orpo is accompanied by a significant business delegation comprising executives from over 20 Finnish companies, representing key sectors such as machinery, forestry, innovation, clean energy, and food.

High-Level Meetings and Dialogue

During his visit, Prime Minister Orpo is scheduled to hold meetings with several prominent Chinese leaders. These include discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, who is hosting the official visit, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Zhao Leji.

On Monday, January 26, Prime Minister Orpo and the Finnish business representatives are also slated to meet with Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.

The discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, including bilateral relations between Finland and China, the broader relationship between China and the European Union, and pressing international issues such as 'Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine'.

Prime Minister Orpo emphasized the importance of continued dialogue, stating, 'It is important to continue dialogue with China on bilateral cooperation and topical international issues, such as challenges in the rules-based system and trade.'

Promoting Business and Economic Ties

A primary objective of the visit is to promote business opportunities for Finland in China. China stands as Finland's fourth-largest trading partner and the European Union's second-largest trading partner.

Key economic figures highlight the significance of this relationship:

• In 2024, Finland's goods exports to China amounted to EUR 3.5 billion, with service exports totaling EUR 1.82 billion.
• Finnish imports from China reached EUR 7.5 billion in 2024.
• In 2023, 239 subsidiaries of Finnish companies operated in China, generating a combined turnover exceeding EUR 14 billion.
• Bilateral trade between China and Finland exceeded $8 billion in 2025, with two-way investment surpassing $23 billion.

Cooperation between the two nations largely focuses on sectors crucial for the green transition, including the low-carbon economy, circular economy, and climate change mitigation.

During the visit, the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation will hold a meeting where Prime Minister Orpo is expected to deliver an address. China's Ministry of Commerce is also anticipated to sign a memorandum of understanding with Finland to bolster the committee's efforts.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

Finland holds a unique historical position in its relationship with China, being one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the first European country to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China.

This visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including a state visit by President Alexander Stubb in October 2024 and a visit by Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho in April 2025. The last Finnish Prime Minister to visit China was Juha Sipilä in 2017.