Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing, January 6 (Xinhua) — Cooperation should be the defining characteristic of China-EU relations, and partnership should be their proper positioning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement during a telephone conversation with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
Recalling that China and Finland jointly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, the Chinese diplomat noted that bilateral ties have achieved new progress and cooperation in various fields has yielded new results.
This fully reflects the distinctive features of Chinese-Finnish relations, such as traditional friendship, mutual benefit, and a forward-looking approach, Wang Yi stated. He emphasized that the stable development of bilateral ties, overcoming differences in social systems and the challenges of a changing international environment, is based on both sides' unwavering commitment to mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.
Noting that this year marks the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that China will continue to implement a high-level opening-up policy. He stated that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with Finland and deepen cooperation in areas such as energy transition, the circular economy, artificial intelligence, green development, and elderly care services.
As Wang Yi pointed out, China intends to work with Finland to uphold free trade, support economic globalization, and achieve common development and prosperity.
He expressed hope that Finland, as an important EU member state, would play a positive role in shaping the EU's objective and rational view of China, resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, actively promoting the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, resuming the ratification of the China-EU Investment Agreement, and actively exploring the possibility of negotiating and signing a free trade agreement between China and the EU.
Wang Yi also outlined China's position on the Taiwan issue and pointed out the regressive steps of Japan's current leader, expressing hope that Finland would understand China's legitimate position.
E. Valtonen, for her part, conveyed warm greetings from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that Finnish-Chinese relations have been developing steadily for a long time.
Finland adheres to the one-China principle and seeks closer high-level exchanges and deeper cooperation in various fields, the minister emphasized, adding that Finland supports free trade and remains committed to the principle of mutual benefit.
The head of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the two countries have extensive common interests and broad prospects for cooperation in areas such as green energy and scientific and technological innovation.
Noting that Europe and China are important partners in climate, energy, and other areas, E. Valtonen stated that it is crucial to maintain constructive relations between the two sides. Finland is ready to play an active role in this, she assured.
The parties also exchanged views on the current situation and prospects related to the Ukrainian crisis. –0–
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