Finnish Chinese Diplomatic Relations 70 years
On Wednesday the 28th of October, both the Embassy of Finland in Beijing and Consulate General in Shanghai celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Finland and the People's Republic of China with a reception. Permanent State Secretary Matti Anttonen was present online from the MFA in Helsinki with the Beijing celebrations.
The diplomatic relations between Finland and China were established 70 years ago: on the 28th of October 1950. The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations have been well visible in different events and in social media throughout the autumn 2020. The anniversary also received its own logo.
To mark the anniversary, both Beijing and Shanghai hosted a reception. Beijing hosted two guests of honour: State Secretary Matti Anttonen attended online from Helsinki whereas Special Representative of Chinese Government for European Affairs Wu Hongbo was present at the Finnish Ambassador’s Residence.
In addition to the Chinese Foreign Affairs representatives, also other ministries sent their delegations. Other guests included media, Finnish Business Council Beijing representatives and ambassadors from fellow Nordic countries.
The official program was concluded by a performance of Coloratura Soprano Dilbèr and Pianist Zhang Jialin. Their Finnish Chinese musical program included songs from both Oskar Merikanto ja Shang Deyi.
In Shanghai, the reception welcomed guests from local Foreign Affairs Offices in Shanghai and neighboring provinces, the local key partners of the Consulate General as well as representatives of Team Finland network, Finnish companies and organizations and the media. Guests were greeted by Consul General Pasi Hellman followed by a video greeting from the State Secretary Matti Anttonen.
Festivities remained moderate and the COVID-19 has considered in many details of the celebrations. Finland was happy to be able to celebrate the important milestone recognizing how many countries had had to cancel their anniversary festivities entirely earlier this year. Many guests welcomed the reception noting that after such a silent year this was one of the first times to get-together as an official Embassy invitee.