Abstract: With an important strategic location in the Arctic, Finland plays an influential role in international Arctic affairs. Bilateral relations between China and Finland form a solid foundation for Arctic cooperation between the two countries, and their cooperation over Arctic economic development has been further promoted by the publication of China’s Arctic Policy. However, the newly released report China in the Arctic and the Opportunities and Challenges for Chinese–Finnish Arctic Cooperation indicates that Finnish attitude towards cooperation with China over economic development in the Arctic may be wavering. The report expresses skepticism over the reliability of Chinese investors, and highlights the potential risks of Chinese–Finnish Arctic cooperation. The change in Finnish attitude is partly a result of adjustments of Finnish national interests in the Arctic, insufficient momentum in Finnish Arctic infrastructure projects, and skepticism of western countries towards the Polar Silk Road. In face of this challenge, China should maintain confidence in Chinese–Finnish Arctic cooperation, advocate strategic docking, and seize opportunities to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to dispel doubts, build trust, and strengthen positive interactions in different domains between China and Finland.

Key words: the Arctic, Finland, Polar Silk Road, Chinese-Finnish Arctic cooperation, economic cooperation