Petteri Orpo

Petteri Orpo is the Prime Minister of Finland. He is newsworthy due to his recent visit to China in January 2026, leading a large business delegation. This visit is significant as it highlights a trend of Western leaders, including those from US allies, engaging with China amid perceived risks and alienation stemming from US policies under President Trump. Orpo's visit is seen as part of a broader effort by China to strengthen ties with individual EU member states, potentially softening EU scrutiny. During the visit, President Xi Jinping expressed a willingness to deepen economic cooperation with Finland and welcomed Finnish businesses to invest in China. This visit occurs against a backdrop of EU leaders grappling with internal divisions, particularly regarding aid to Ukraine, further emphasizing the shifting geopolitical landscape.