Petteri Orpo

Petteri Orpo is the Prime Minister of Finland. He is newsworthy due to his recent high-profile visit to Beijing in January 2026. This visit, spanning four days, included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation and mutual trust. Orpo's trip is significant as it occurs amidst a perceived shift in the global order, with several Western leaders engaging with China. Analysts suggest the visit highlights China's efforts to strengthen ties with individual EU member states, potentially to mitigate broader EU scrutiny. Furthermore, the visit is seen as a response to perceived pressure from the United States under President Trump, with Finland and other US allies exploring alternative partnerships and trade opportunities with China.