BEIJING: President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China seeks to uphold the UN-based world order, in remarks during a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing.

His comments come after Donald Trump unveiled plans for his new Board of Peace this month, which has sparked concerns the US president wants to create a rival to the United Nations.

Xi told Orpo in the opulent Great Hall of the People that “China is willing to work with Finland to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core”, according to a readout by the state broadcaster.

While China has been invited to join Trump’s new grouping, it has not confirmed participation, and Xi has since stressed the importance of a UN-centred international order.

Orpo said he looked forward to discussing “international issues” and topics on “bilateral cooperation” with Xi.

Orpo, on a four-day visit, joins a string of Western leaders who have recently courted Beijing, as Trump’s mercurial policies prompt a pivot from his allies.

Canadian and French leaders Mark Carney and Emmanuel Macron visited Beijing in past weeks, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is due to land on Wednesday.

Despite the warm overtures, Beijing and Helsinki do not see eye-to-eye on thorny issues, including the war in Ukraine and an international jostling for influence over the Arctic region.

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said in November that China was “massively” financing Russia’s war efforts.

China, a major Russian trading partner, has said it takes a neutral stance on the war, and has never condemned Moscow’s invasion.

Nato chief Mark Rutte has also called for a collective defence strategy to protect Finland, among other Arctic countries, against increased influence and activity from Russia and China.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2026