Finland’s political state secretary for foreign affairs and defence has claimed China and Russia are increasingly working “in tandem” to disrupt and interfere in free societies, and undermine faith in governance.
In an interview with Guardian Australia to mark his official visit to Australia and New Zealand, Pasi Rajala said Russia would not be able to sustain its war in Ukraine without help from Beijing, including through supply of critical technology and the proceeds of oil and gas sales.
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“You need to expose what China and Russia are doing, bearing in mind that they work together, and make it known to the public,” he said.
“All the cyber-attacks, meddling with politics – in Europe there have been assassination plots.”
Last month, a Chinese national was charged over alleged foreign interference in Australia, including covert collection of information about a Buddhist association which is banned by Beijing.
It is third time foreign interference charges have been laid in Australia since new laws were introduced in 2018.
Earlier this year, Asio chief, Mike Burgess, warned foreign agents were targeting the Aukus nuclear submarine program, as well as critical infrastructure and sensitive government data.
Russia is accused of serious foreign interference in Europe and the UK. A Russian government plan to assassinate the chief executive of a German arms manufacturer was thwarted in mid-2024.
Earlier this month a flight carrying the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, was hit by GPS jamming in Bulgaria. Authorities said the incident was suspected Russian interference.
Rajala said Russia and China are “closely knit” and China wants to learn from the battlefield experience in the Ukraine war.
“We want to learn from Australia how they deal with China. On the one hand, you still want to keep trading because it’s so important economically, but somehow, keep them at arm’s length when it comes to some critical national security interests.
“And maybe Australia can learn something from us on how we’ve dealt with Russia over decades.”
Finland shares a land border of more than 1,300km with Russia.
“It’s a fine balance to strike,” he said. “You want people to be aware of what’s happening, but you also don’t want to be too alarmist. You don’t want to worry people too much, but if you don’t talk about it, then people don’t think about it.”
Last week, Australia’s defence minister, Richard Marles, said a “greater degree of cooperation” was evident between China and Russia, as well as North Korea, describing the development as an expression of “the complex strategic landscape”.
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Rajala’s visit to the Asia Pacific region included meetings with Australia’s resources minister, Madeleine King and the defence industry minister, Pat Conroy, as well as New Zealand’s foreign minister, Winston Peters.
The trip is part of efforts by Finland to build political and business ties in Australia, including promoting trade in critical minerals processing, defence technology and to build awareness of the country’s comprehensive national preparedness framework.
Finnish authorities have long worked to effectively integrate civilian and military preparedness for threats such as disasters and geopolitical ructions.
The country’s government is preparing to increase defence spending from about 2.5% of GDP to 3.5%, in line with other European Union member states and Nato countries.
Rajala said defence procurement and cooperation were areas for growth between Australia and Finland.
“The way to get value for your money is to go on the global market and buy the best capabilities for the value. It’s not only that Finland comes shopping in Australia or Australia in Finland.
“There are joint programs where you can develop these capabilities.”
Finland supports Australia’s bid to host the UN’s Cop31 climate summit in 2026. Turkey has remained in the race for hosting rights, despite Australia having overwhelming support.
