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.

“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.

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