Finnish PM Orpo: Joining Nato Was “The Only Right Choice” Despite Trump’s Global Tensions

Euro Times / Helsinki

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has stressed that Finland’s decision to join Nato was “the only and right choice,” despite growing international unease sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, including threats to seize Greenland and impose new tariffs.

Speaking on Yle TV1’s morning talk show Ykkösaamu, Orpo said Finland’s Nato membership remains unquestionably justified, expressing confidence that Washington still views the alliance and transatlantic cooperation as too vital to be seriously undermined.

“The Nato decision was the only and right choice,” Orpo stated.

Asked whether the United States is drifting toward authoritarianism, Orpo responded that democracy has repeatedly proven resilient through crises.

“Through various phases of development and even some crises, democracy has defended itself. I believe it will defend itself now as well,” he said.

Trade agreements in China

Orpo also addressed his recent visit to China, where he met President Xi Jinping. The prime minister said the accompanying Finnish trade delegation was satisfied, with 11 agreements signed during the trip.

“Major deals were struck,” Orpo said.

However, he added that China’s efforts to promote peace in Ukraine have been insufficient, pointing to Beijing’s continued energy trade with Russia.

The visit has drawn criticism from figures such as Jani Mäkelä, chair of the Finns Party parliamentary group, who called engagement with authoritarian China problematic.

Orpo defended the trip as necessary, noting that leaders from other Western nations, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have also recently visited China.

“When the invitation came, should it have been declined? In my view, absolutely not,” Orpo said.

Source: Yle TV1