According to Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP), China’s evasion of sanctions against Russia is unacceptable.
She made the comment on Saturday, a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a six-day visit to Europe. Relations between China and the EU are strained, partly due to China's support for Russia in its onslaught against Ukraine.
Although China claims to be neutral in the conflict, it still sells Russia products that are useful for warfare and finances Russia's war effort through energy purchases, she said.
"Unfortunately, China has supported Russia very strongly in this war, especially by supplying dual-use material that has kept Russia's war machine going," Valtonen told the tabloid Iltalehti on Saturday.
"Our policy line is clear, and has been made clear to the Chinese: we do not accept any kind of evasion of sanctions against Russia," Valtonen said.
During his trip to Europe, Xi is to visit France, Serbia and Hungary. Some analysts have noted that the visit to Hungary could be part of Beijing’s effort to undermine the EU's unified policy on China.
Valtonen downplayed Hungary's potentially problematic role in relation to China, though.
"Seeing one member country out of 27 as problematic does not reduce the problem, but may make matters appear more challenging from the outside," she said.
The EU must work together more strongly, argued Valtonen, "especially when it comes to issues related to our values, such as supporting Ukraine."
Finland and allies weigh response to GPS disruptions
Also on Saturday, Valtonen commented to the online newspaper Uusi Suomi about the situation in Ukraine and GPS interference in the Baltic Sea region.
Valtonen and the other members of the ministerial Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discussed the latter issue with President Alexander Stubb on Friday.
Valtonen confirmed that the GPS interference has originated from Russia.
"It’s possible that Russia could be using GPS jamming as a means of hybrid influence. An essential part of the nature of hybrid influence is that it is difficult to categorically state whether a certain action is direct hybrid influence, though," Valtonen pointed out.
Russia has stepped up its hybrid influence efforts since its full-scale attack on Ukraine, she said.
"We’re in contact with our Nato allies and EU partners to ensure that we have a common picture of the situation and to coordinate possible joint action options," the foreign minister said.
Valtonen added that GPS interference has not affected the safety of civil aviation in Finland, which she said "is well prepared" to cope with it. Finnair has cancelled some flights to Estonia due to GPS disruptions.
"Support for Ukraine must remain united and strong"
Valtonen also evaluated the current situation in the Ukraine war.
"The battle initiative is currently in Russia's hands and it has gained tactical victories on the land front." She pointed to Ukraine’s shortage of artillery ammunition and deficiencies in air defence.
"Russia has taken advantage of the situation by accelerating attacks against civilian targets and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, and has struck Kiev, among other sites."
On the other hand, Ukraine has carried out drone attacks on critical targets such as oil refineries, Valtonen noted. In addition, Ukraine has succeeded in destabilising Russia's position in Crimea by striking against the Black Sea Fleet and the Russian Air Force.
"The situation is challenging, which is why our support for Ukraine must remain united and strong for as long as necessary," Valtonen added.
OSCE chief visits Helsinki on Monday
Russia’s attack on Ukraine will be on the agenda when Valtonen meets with Helga Schmid, Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), in Helsinki on Monday.
Valtonen and Schmid are to discuss support for Ukraine and the wide-ranging effects of Russia’s invasion of the country on European security and on the OSCE’s activities. They will also continue preparations for Finland’s term as OSCE chair next year.
"The added value of the OSCE among international organisations is its regional and inclusive role with a large number of participating states. The OSCE’s potential, and the tools it offers, need to be utilised to the maximum to support Ukraine," Valtonen said in a foreign ministry press release.
The OSCE’s 57 participating states include all European, Central Asian countries as well as the US and Canada. Its activities stem from the 1975 CSCE Conference in Helsinki.
During her two-day visit to Helsinki, Schmid will also meet with Stubb and visit Parliament.
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