China's Xi Backs UN-Centred World Order

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to a global order centred on the United Nations, vowing to uphold this system regardless of changes in the international landscape in remarks during his 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, sparking concerns that 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 state broadcaster CCTV.

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, meanwhile, 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.

President Xi Jinping meets with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Jan 27, 2026. [Photo/Xinhua]

Canadian and French leaders Mark Carney and Emmanuel Macron visited Beijing in the 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 Russia’s 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 and other Arctic countries against increased Russian and Chinese influence and activity.

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