Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s commitment to a United Nations-based global order during talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing on Tuesday. His remarks came against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent unveiling of a new “Board of Peace,” which has raised concerns about Washington seeking to establish a rival platform to the UN.

Meeting Orpo at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said China is prepared to work closely with Finland to “firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core,” according to state broadcaster CCTV. While China has been invited to Trump’s initiative, it has yet to confirm participation, with Xi continuing to emphasize the importance of a UN-centred framework.

Orpo, who is on a four-day visit, expressed interest in discussing international issues and strengthening bilateral cooperation. His trip follows a wave of Western leaders engaging Beijing in recent weeks, including Canadian leader Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, China and Finland remain divided on sensitive matters such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and competition for influence in the Arctic. Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said last November that China was “massively” financing Russia’s war effort. Beijing, a major trading partner of Moscow, has maintained a neutral stance and avoided condemning the invasion.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has meanwhile urged collective defence measures to safeguard Finland and other Arctic nations from growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

This meeting highlights Beijing’s effort to project itself as a defender of multilateralism while navigating tensions with Western allies over security and geopolitical concerns.