Xi expresses China's readiness to deepen cooperation with Finland

China

Xi expresses China's readiness to deepen cooperation with Finland

2026-01-27 14:47 Last Updated At：01-28 00:47

China is willing to work with Finland to enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation, thereby bolstering the development of both countries and delivering greater benefits to their peoples, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday when meeting with visiting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing.

During the meeting, Xi noted that this is Orpo's first visit to China as prime minister, and also the first official visit by a Finnish prime minister to China in 17 years. He said he believes the visit will inject new impetus into China-Finland cooperation.

"Over the 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Finland relations have developed steadily regardless of changes in the international situation. The hard-won relationship is well worth cherishing. I have visited Finland twice and retain very profound memories of your country. China is willing to work with Finland to enhance mutual trust, strengthen exchanges, and deepen cooperation, thereby bolstering the development of our respective countries and bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both nations," Xi said.

For his part, Orpo recalled his visit to China in 2014, and expressed the hope for discussion with Xi on issues of mutual interest.

"Mr. President, your excellency, I look forward to continuing those discussions on bilateral cooperation between our countries, and current discussion on current issues, international issues, with you. I had the pleasure of visiting China in 2014, when I served as the minister of agriculture. And I am very happy to be back in China. Once again I want to thank you for this great possibility to visit here and discuss with you in your wonderful country," he said.

Orpo arrived in Beijing on Sunday on an official visit to China through Wednesday.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.