BEIJING — The President of Finland has stated that North Korea’s decision to send troops to Russia highlights an intensifying situation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, contradicting China’s officially expressed stance on the matter. This declaration followed a meeting that lasted over three hours with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, focusing on the war and trade discussions among other topics. While there was no official comment from Chinese officials on the specifics of the conversation, state media indicated that a comprehensive dialogue took place.
President Alexander Stubb pointed out that the current activities from North Korea, particularly regarding arms exports and troop deployments to Russia, signify a concerning escalation, expansion, and provocation. On Monday, the U.S. government reported that North Korea dispatched around 10,000 troops to Russia, with many expected to be deployed to the Kursk border area, a location where Ukrainian forces have reclaimed territory from Russia. Stubb emphasized that this move contradicts China’s statement insisting on “no escalation, no expansion and no provocation” on the battlefield. Earlier in the year, China and Brazil had put forth a peace plan advocating for a de-escalated conflict zone.
Additionally, Stubb reiterated the importance of China’s involvement in promoting peace efforts concerning Ukraine, suggesting that such initiatives should align with Ukraine’s peace strategy. He raised alarms about the potential of President Vladimir Putin utilizing nuclear weapons as the conflict progresses. “It is vital for a significant power like China to maintain dialogue with Russia to help ease tensions as much as possible,” he stated.
In response, President Xi expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with all relevant parties, including Finland, to actively promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis, according to China’s state broadcaster. Notably, Stubb and Xi last met fourteen years ago when Stubb served as Finland’s foreign minister and Xi was the vice president of China. “I am prepared to work closely with you to enhance the strategic cooperation between our countries and contribute positively to global peace and development,” Xi stated before their discussions.
Finland has emerged as a leading European nation in both military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, joining NATO last year in response to Russia’s invasion. The country, with a population of 5.6 million, shares a 1,340-kilometer land border with Russia. Following his election, Stubb underscored Finland’s commitment to a robust stance against Moscow, strengthening ties with the U.S., and extending military and civilian support to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, China has faced criticism from the U.S. and NATO for its support of Russia. Critics label China as a facilitator of the war, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg accusing China of supplying equipment, microelectronics, and tools that assist Russia in its military endeavors against Ukraine. Nonetheless, China is gradually taking on a mediating role in various global disputes, attributed to its expanding influence and economic strength, whether it be in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the Israel-Hamas situation.
The Finnish delegation included ministers for environment and agriculture, who formalized agreements related to water management, while China’s customs authority approved two Finnish poultry companies for product importation. Furthermore, the two leaders deliberated on trade, a contentious subject as the European Union is contemplating tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, currently under negotiation. Stubb remarked on the implications of China’s relationship with Russia, stating it has a tangible effect on China-Europe relations. Additionally, he expressed concern regarding potential tariff escalations, stating, “I worry we are entering an endless cycle of tariffs and trade escalations that we must work to avert.”