US-based Human Rights Watch has called on Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to address repression during his visit to China. The visit is seen as a test of Finland’s ability to balance relations with major powers while upholding democratic values and human rights. Recent visits by leaders from other countries have focused on trade, with minimal attention to human rights concerns.
The Human Rights Watch statement highlights concerns about democratic backsliding and coercive politics, suggesting that closer alignment with authoritarian China could raise alarm in Europe. The Joint Action Plan between Finland and China prioritizes cooperation on innovation and trade, with limited emphasis on human rights issues. Human Rights Watch points out the risks Finnish industries face due to China’s labor rights abuses and the impact on global labor standards.
China’s alleged abuses in Xinjiang, including arbitrary detention and forced labor of Uyghurs, are condemned by Human Rights Watch. The organization also raises concerns about human rights violations in Hong Kong and Tibet, as well as China’s suppression of dissent globally. The statement underscores the need for Finland to consider the implications of its economic ties with China in light of these human rights issues.
