00:00Julie Yuan-Chan is Professor of Chinese Studies at the University of Helsinki.
00:06Hello, Julie. Okay, this visit is obviously focused on a lot of trade and business, so let's start there.
00:12How significant is China as a growth market for Finnish exports?
00:17And is it likely we're going to see concrete measures from this particular visit?
00:23Well, China is a very important export market for Finnish companies,
00:27but I think over the years, Finnish companies have not fully capitalized on the opportunities that the Chinese market could offer.
00:34So this trip is very important because Finnish companies, they are currently underperforming.
00:39Their trade with China has not grown in proportion with the Chinese growth.
00:44Another thing is that there's an over-reliance on only certain industries.
00:48Here we have a lot of forests, so the pulp industry is very strong, but other areas are not explored.
00:53So this trip is meant for the Finnish companies to explore how to diversify their goods and services and to provide to the Chinese market.
01:02How important are stable diplomatic ties between Finland and China, particularly at this time of geopolitical uncertainty?
01:11It is very important.
01:14I have to mention, though, you know, this time it's the prime minister who is visiting China.
01:19Usually our president is the one who is representing foreign affairs.
01:24So at this time, it's really still mostly on trade and economic relations.
01:28Having said that, though, I think it does send a signal to the Chinese leadership that Finland is willing to continue its good relationship with China
01:36and then not over-reliing on any particular major powers.
01:40This is a very powerful and constructive gesture from Finland.
01:43In 2023, Finland joined NATO.
01:47We know that they are concerned about defence.
01:49They're seeking greater Arctic security.
01:52Does that affect relations with China in any way at all?
01:58Well, I think when Finland joined NATO, that was really a drastic change.
02:02And many people would assume that Finland will move closer to the United States.
02:06However, the recent debates about Greenland and uncertainty arising from that makes Finland question how it should continue its good relationship with Washington.
02:16So I think just for the Finnish national interest, it's wise that Finland wants to assure the Chinese side that it can maintain stable relationship
02:24and can work on various areas where they may have interest, such as the Arctic.
02:29We tend to judge these meetings on the deals that are done.
02:33But underpinning all of that is a relationship of trust.
02:36And President Xi himself was talking about the need for deeper trust, cooperation and communication between the two nations.
02:43How do visits like this actually help build relationships?
02:47I think it sends a very positive signal to citizens in both countries that we are actually having a good relationship
02:55and then it assures individuals and institutions in both societies that we can continue to look for chances for cooperation
03:03in areas such as technology, education or, like you said, winter sports.
03:09All right.
03:09Thank you so much for speaking to us.
03:11That's Julie Yuan Chan, professor of Chinese Studies at the University of Helsinki.
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