On October 28, 2025, Esko Aho, former Prime Minister of Finland and Chairman of the Finland Industry China Office, led a delegation to visit the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University. The meeting was attended by Da Wei, Director of CISS; Xiao Qian, Deputy Director; Zhao Hai, Director of the International Politics Research Department, National Global Strategy Think Tank, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Pan Yuanyuan, Deputy Director of the International Investment Office; and Shi Yan, Assistant Research Fellow at CISS. The delegation and CISS experts discussed issues including China–U.S.–EU relations and artificial intelligence (AI) governance.
Experts noted that while a potential return of the Trump administration could complicate the global political and economic landscape, China has shown greater strategic confidence after experiencing previous U.S. pressures on technology and trade. U.S.–China relations are moving toward a stable competitive framework, with Europe potentially playing a balancing and moderating role to maintain global supply chain security and stability. As open economies, Finland and China are encouraged to strengthen cooperation in multilateral trade and technological innovation.
The delegation also held in-depth discussions on AI governance and collaboration. Experts observed that AI is both a focus of competition and a potential area for cooperation. In the future, China and Europe could act as a bridge in risk management, standards-setting, and industrial cooperation. Finnish companies showed strong interest in China’s policies on green manufacturing and AI applications, seeking to expand cooperation in areas such as low-carbon materials and sustainable investment.
Members of the Finland Industry China Office delegation included:Roleff Krakström, CEO, Moomin;Antti Salminen, CEO, Kemira;Samuli Simojoki, Partner and Board Chair, Borenius;Minna Aila, Executive Vice President, Konecranes;Sami Lahdensuo, Vice President, Finnair;Jussi Herlin, Vice Chair, KONE Elevators Co., Ltd;Ville Pekkola, General Manager, China, Valio;Linda Jakobson, Member of the Board, Finland Industry China Office;Ari Harmaala, General Manager, Finland Industry China Office;Kevin Broady, Chief Analyst, Finland Industry China Office;Anton Karppanen, Analyst, Finland Industry China Office;Marleena Makkonen, Analyst, Finland Industry China Office.