Xi Reaffirms UN-Based Order as Western Leaders Pivot to Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to the United Nations-based international order during talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Tuesday, as Western leaders increasingly pivot toward China amid concerns over President Donald Trump's foreign policy approach.Meeting in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Xi told Orpo that "China is willing to work with Finland to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core," according to state broadcaster CCTV. The remarks come as Trump's newly unveiled "Board of Peace" initiative has raised concerns about potential alternatives to existing multilateral institutions.While China has been invited to join Trump's new grouping, Beijing has not confirmed participation and continues to emphasize the centrality of the UN system in global governance. The positioning reflects China's broader strategy of presenting itself as a defender of multilateralism as traditional Western allies reassess their diplomatic priorities.Orpo's four-day visit to Beijing represents part of a notable trend of Western leaders engaging with Chinese leadership in recent weeks. Canadian Finance Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron have visited Beijing, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to arrive Wednesday, highlighting a diplomatic recalibration as allies navigate Trump's unpredictable policy directions.However, significant tensions persist beneath the diplomatic courtesies. Finland and China remain at odds over Russia's war in Ukraine, with Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen asserting in November that China is "massively" financing Russian war efforts. Beijing maintains it takes a neutral stance on the conflict and has refrained from condemning Moscow's invasion.The Arctic region presents another area of strategic competition, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte calling for collective defense strategies to counter increased Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia and joined NATO in 2023, represents a key strategic partner for Western allies in Arctic security considerations.The diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of shifting global power dynamics, with traditional alliances under strain and emerging economies asserting greater influence in international affairs. China's emphasis on UN-centered multilateralism positions Beijing as a stabilizing force even as it pursues its own strategic interests across multiple regions.Source: Hong Kong Free Press