Finland hopes that China will condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and help end the war. Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, said in an interview with Nikkei Asia.
She then added that Beijing “could play a very significant role in ending the war due to its influence in Moscow, and as a member of the U.N. Security Council.”
Finland’s application to join NATO only went through earlier this year. The country’s new government was inaugurated in June, but its defense spendings this year, is already estimated to reach well above NATO’s recommended 2% of gross domestic product. The government has stated, that they are counting on reaching 2.3% for 2024.
In the past, Finland primarily focused on trade with Asia. But according to the interview, Finland is now prepared to further cooperation with the region to extend to global defense and security.
“All cooperation when it comes to security and defense is something which needs to be explored ,” Valtonen said.
“Beijing’s reluctance to condemn Russia has not gone unnoticed by Finns. They now perceive China as a question mark,” Valtonen adds.
Source: Nikkei
