Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo concluded a four-day official visit to China this week, arriving in Beijing on January 25 to strengthen bilateral ties. The trip comes amid growing emphasis on practical collaboration between the two nations, a sentiment echoed by Helsinki residents interviewed by CGTN Stringer.
Mark Pokidko, a Finnish student, highlighted China's evolving global role, stating: "China has developed rapidly and become more important in global politics and development." His remarks reflect broader European interest in China's economic and diplomatic influence as Asia continues shaping 2026's geopolitical landscape.
Pokidko characterized Finland-China relations as "genuinely practical," emphasizing problem-solving over symbolism. This pragmatic approach aligns with recent efforts to expand trade and technology partnerships between Nordic countries and Asian economies.
The visit underscores Finland's strategy to balance European Union priorities with targeted cooperation in sectors like clean energy and digital innovation, where Chinese advancements offer mutual growth opportunities.
