Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi dialed up a call with Finnish FM Elina Valtonen this week, underlining that cooperation should be the hallmark of China-EU ties 🌐🤝
With 2026 marking the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, Wang Yi highlighted plans to deepen collaboration in energy transition 🔋, circular economy ♻️, AI 💡, green development and elderly care services. He also wants to align China's Belt and Road Initiative with the EU's Global Gateway for stronger infrastructure and free trade.
Wang Yi urged Finland, an influential EU member, to help shape a balanced EU view of China, revive the stalled China-EU investment deal and explore a potential free trade agreement. They also exchanged views on the Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis.
Valtonen passed on Finnish President Alexander Stubb's greetings to President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed Finland's one-China stance. She emphasized Finland's support for free trade, tech innovation and a constructive EU-China partnership in climate and energy 🌱.
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, this dialogue signals a shift towards partnership over rivalry. Think global power grids, joint AI labs and greener futures where East meets West! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Cooperation should be the defining feature of China-EU ties: Wang Yi
cgtn.com
