As a well-known friend of Ukraine and a person fluent in the country's language, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party), is traveling to China. The visit partly commemorates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and China.
However, the visit will also serve as an opportunity to discuss the bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries, as well as relations between the EU and China. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the relationship between China and the United States will undoubtedly also be topics of discussion.
Given Halla-aho’s significant role in shaping relations between Finland/the EU and Ukraine, it is likely that the issue of Ukraine will emerge as the most internationally significant topic. In this context, it is crucial to understand Halla-aho’s principled stance on all matters—that is, his refusal to engage in political rhetoric or platitudes.
Therefore, it is to be hoped that this quality is recognized and respected by the other true global superpower—China, alongside the United States. Furthermore, that his visit contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s position—and correspondingly weakening Russia’s position—in the dynamics of global power politics.
Alternatively, it is of course possible that the Chinese may not appreciate Halla-aho’s outspoken style, which could even strain relations between the host nation and Western European countries. For my part, however, I believe—and hope—that the Chinese will not fall into that trap, but rather, drawing on their millennia of experience, will be able to distinguish between empty bluster and the kind of fact-based, serious argumentation that is characteristic of Halla-aho.
The Chinese are playing a long play. As of now, the support of the Ukraine seems to divide the USA and the Europe. At the same time, the war is not doing any good for the Russia. So the China gets comparatively stronger.
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