Yu Zhengsheng holds talks with Finnish top leaders

HELSINKI - The visiting top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng held talks with Finnish top leaders over the weekend to stress the importance of free trade.

During their meeting on Friday afternoon, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto told Yu that Finland will continue its support for open trade, adding that Finland hopes to step up cooperation with China on technological innovation and clean-tech industry.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), expressed his gratitude toward Finnish side for its positive role in the ongoing China-EU disputes over solar panels and wireless communication products.

Yu said that Finland's attitude demonstrated its advocacy for free trade and openness.

The European Commission has proposed to impose punitive tariffs on solar panel imports from China. But a latest survey show that a majority of 27 EU governments oppose the plan.

Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen said in his meeting with Yu at his official residence that Finland opposes trade protectionism.

Yu also met with Finnish Parliament Speaker Eero Heinaluoma, who made similar remarks. Heinaluoma said the Finnish side hopes to make joint efforts with China to step up bilateral cooperations on technological innovation, clean energy, urbanization and sustainable development.

In an interview with Xinhua on the eve of Yu's visit, Heinaluoma stressed the significance of free trade, regarding it as a principle that should be adhered to, especially during economic recession.

Yu wraps up his visit to Finland on Saturday and travels to Sweden, the second stop of his three-Nordic-country trip which also includes Denmark.