China Finland relations began formally on 28 October 1950 when Finland recognized the People’s Republic of China, becoming one of the first Western nations to do so. Diplomatic ties quickly deepened as both countries opened embassies in Beijing and Helsinki. General Geng Biao served as China’s first envoy to Finland, marking the start of a long and stable diplomatic journey.
In his message commemorating the anniversary, President Xi Jinping noted Finland’s early support for China and highlighted that Finland was among the first European nations to sign an intergovernmental trade agreement with China. That 1953 agreement made Finland the first capitalist country to formalize trade with the People’s Republic. Xi emphasized that the relationship has grown steadily despite differences in ideology and political systems, standing firm through global changes.
Xi Jinping described the 75 years of cooperation as extensive, spanning politics, economics, trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people engagement. He recalled Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to China in October 2024, when both sides agreed on a new framework for future cooperation. Xi said he remains committed to strengthening ties, deepening practical collaboration, and promoting inclusive global development.
President Stubb, in his message, described China Finland relations as stable and based on mutual trust. He pointed to the 2024 state visit, where both countries signed a detailed Joint Action Plan between China and Finland on Promoting the Future-oriented New-type Cooperative Partnership 2025–2029. This plan outlines cooperation in multiple sectors, from trade to environmental innovation.
Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs released a statement reflecting on the long partnership. After Finland’s early recognition of the People’s Republic in 1950, trade relations grew rapidly. By 1953, Finland had signed a bilateral trade agreement with China, securing its place as one of the first Western nations to formalize such ties. That early cooperation laid the foundation for Finland’s unique position among Western countries operating in China.
The current structure of China Finland relations is based on the declaration signed by President Sauli Niinistö and President Xi Jinping in Helsinki in 2017. That document established the “future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership,” later developed into structured action plans. The first ran from 2019 to 2023, while the latest covers 2025 to 2029.
According to Finnish government data, China is Finland’s largest trading partner in Asia and among the top globally. By 2021, over 400 Finnish companies were active in China. Finland had invested around EUR 11 billion, while Chinese investments in Finland reached about EUR 10 billion.
Trade is supported by collaboration in environmental and energy projects. These initiatives are guided by memoranda between ministries, working groups, and pilot programs. Finland’s Ministry for the Environment and Business Finland are key institutions driving this cooperation.
Cultural ties also play an important role in China Finland relations. A cultural exchange agreement signed in 1984 has been updated regularly, expanding to include education, science, youth programs, and sports. Collaboration between artists, designers, and cultural institutions continues to grow. Finnish design, music, and visual arts are actively promoted in China through bilateral programs.
Recent years have also seen increased academic and innovation partnerships. Joint research projects and student exchanges strengthen understanding between the two societies and create new opportunities for collaboration.
The Finnish Foreign Ministry highlighted recent state visits as key moments in China Finland relations. These include Xi Jinping’s visit to Finland in 2017 during Finland’s centenary celebrations and Alexander Stubb’s 2024 state visit to China.
Regular political dialogue covers a broad range of global issues, including climate change, sustainable development, international law, human rights, gender equality, and global security. Finland’s policy toward China aligns with its commitments as a member of the European Union and reflects broader European foreign policy goals.
Both governments have confirmed their commitment to maintaining a stable and forward-looking partnership. The Joint Action Plan for 2025–2029 sets out concrete goals for cooperation in trade, environmental protection, innovation, and education. It also establishes systems to monitor progress and resolve potential disputes.
As both countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, China Finland relations continue to stand as a model of long-term cooperation between East and West, grounded in trust, shared respect, and mutual growth.
