Ambassador XX’s speech at the Reception
Salutations
– Your Excellency ***,
– Representatives of the Chinese community in Greece,
– Distinguished Guests,
– Ladies and Gentlemen,
– Members of the media.
Kalispera sas kai kalos irthade. (APPLAUSE)
Thank you all for your encouragement to a beginner of the Greek language.
I’m really excited to be here as the new Chinese Ambassador to Greece. It’s a true privilege, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your commitment to strengthening the lasting bond between our two countries. Your consistent support of my work and that of the Chinese Embassy in Athens, along with the invaluable contributions from the Chinese community and businesses, has been vital in maintaining this enduring relationship. I also extend a special note of appreciation to the Beijing Comprehensive Art Troupe, who have travelled far to perform for us today.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
The bond between China and Greece is one of profound depth and resilience. There’s a saying in China that goes, “Real friendship knows no borders; it’s tougher than any metal and stone.” Despite the miles that separate us, our nations have been steadfast and reliable partners, offering each other support during challenging times. From the evacuation of Chinese citizens to Greece’s economic struggles, and our shared stances on matters like Taiwan and the Eastern Mediterranean, our bond has proven resilient over the years.
From the moment I arrived in Greece, I was embraced by the warmth and hospitality of its people—a welcome as bright as the Mediterranean sun. Here, I found a captivating blend of Western charm and Eastern wisdom, a reflection of the rich heritage that defines both of our ancient civilizations.
The rich histories and lively cultures of China and Greece, each with roots stretching back over two millennia, are nothing short of remarkable. The core values that define these ancient societies really connect with us and help shape our collective understanding. Interestingly, the peak of ancient Greek culture happened around the same time as China’s Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, which was a golden age for philosophy, with various schools of thought competing for prominence. In this light, the humanistic principles of ancient Greece align beautifully with the people-centred approach found in Chinese Confucianism. Likewise, the insights of Greek thinkers like Diogenes resonate with the teachings of Zhuangzi in Taoism. This shared intellectual heritage not only helps us maintain our distinct cultural identities but also allows us to tap into the wisdom of the past, fostering a lasting friendship and paving the way for future collaboration.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
In recent years, the partnership between China and Greece has achieved remarkable milestones. Culturally, the establishment of the Center for Greek and Chinese Ancient Civilization and the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens symbolizes our thriving collaboration.Recent events like the first World Conference of Classics and two concurrent exhibitions showcasing ancient Greek civilization in Beijing have underscored our mutual respect for history and civilization. Beyond this, a variety of performances, artistic exchanges, and scholarly interactions have enriched and reinforced our understanding of each other.
Our cultural exchanges are complemented by robust economic cooperation, which has become a cornerstone of the China-Greece partnership. What began with maritime trade has now diversified into various sectors. The growth in bilateral trade is noteworthy, with China emerging as Greece’s third-largest trading partner worldwide and the largest outside the European Union. In 2024, Greece saw a 23.7% increase in imports from China, showcasing the dynamic nature of our economic ties. Strategic investments, such as COSCO Shipping’s role in the Port of Piraeus, have turned it into a leading integrated service hub in Europe, achieving a record performance in 2024. Additionally, initiatives like Yutong electric buses in Greece and the Ariadne interconnection between IPTO and SGCC illustrate the tangible benefits for both our peoples. And lest we forget, the establishment of Huawei’s European Logistics Hub in Greece further highlights the expanding dimensions of our cooperation.
Despite global challenges, China’s economic resilience offers inspiration to its international partners. The country’s 2024 GDP expanded by 5%，came in at 134.9 trillion yuan, which is around $18.4 trillion, highlighting our dedication to quality growth and openness to the world. Recent reforms, including the 2024 Special Administrative Measures for Foreign Investment Access, have created fresh avenues for international investors, especially within China’s manufacturing industry. Additionally, the expansion of China’s “circle of friends” visa-free transit agreements has enhanced global connectivity, fostering stronger people-to-people exchanges. On the sustainability front, China has not only met but surpassed its ambitious climate targets, achieving the installation of over 1.25 billion kilowatts of wind and solar energy capacity by 2024—an impressive six years ahead of the original timeline. Furthermore, through 53 agreements on South-South climate cooperation with 42 developing nations, China has launched nearly 100 projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. These efforts underscore China’s role as a global leader in sustainable development.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
The values of equality, respect, friendship, openness, and inclusiveness are common threads that connect the people of China and Greece. These principles serve as the bedrock for the robust strategic partnership we are cultivating. The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has laid out an ambitious vision for modernization, one that is truly expansive in its reach. Similarly, Greece is making significant strides in economic growth within the European Union. I believe by working together, we can unlock the potential for shared prosperity.
Reflecting on the wisdom of the ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius, who noted that “Things are born to be different,” we recognize that this diversity is what enriches our global community, bringing forth a variety of viewpoints and solutions. Achieving harmony requires us to celebrate these differences through open dialogue and a commitment to understanding each other. Europe plays a crucial role in China’s diplomatic approach, and we are confident that a strong partnership will yield benefits for all involved. In this context, China appreciates Greece’s positive contributions within the EU and urges Europe to adopt a long-term, strategic outlook on China-EU relations. By managing differences and focusing on shared interests, we can achieve win-win outcomes that promote global stability and harmony.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
As we approach the 2025 Spring Festival, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we stand on the threshold of a promising new year. In the Year of the Snake, I look forward to working with friends from all walks of life in China and Greece to strengthen our bonds of friendship and cooperation. Together, we can ensure that the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership continues to shine brightly in this new era.
Thank you, and I wish you all a pleasant evening.
