Finland

Finland is a Nordic country and a member of the European Union. It is currently newsworthy due to its Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, undertaking a four-day visit to China with a large business delegation. This visit is aimed at deepening economic cooperation and enhancing mutual trust between Finland and China. The trip is particularly significant as it occurs amidst broader geopolitical tensions, including pressure from the United States on its allies regarding trade with China. The visit highlights China's strategy of strengthening ties with individual EU member states, potentially to mitigate broader EU scrutiny. Xi Jinping has welcomed Finnish businesses to invest in China. This increased engagement with China reflects a wider trend of European leaders seeking closer ties with China, possibly as a countermeasure to perceived instability or unreliability in the transatlantic relationship under the current US administration.