Stubb's State Visit: Bridging Diplomatic Tensions

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb is set to visit China from October 28-31 to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials. Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and security concerns, amid ongoing diplomatic talks involving a Hong Kong vessel and pipeline damage.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb will undertake a significant state visit to China from October 28 to 31. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior government officials, according to an announcement by the Finnish government on Wednesday.

The meetings aim to discuss various pressing issues, including bilateral relations and critical security concerns encompassing the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Stubb's office highlighted the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Finland and China, which began in October of last year.

One key issue involves a Hong Kong-registered cargo vessel potentially implicated in damaging the Balticconnector gas pipeline. Finnish police, in their continuing investigation, have suggested the damage resulted from an anchor dragging across the pipeline, posing significant threats to Finland's energy security and necessitating costly repairs.

(With inputs from agencies.)