This is her permanent job. China that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and protected, he said of the situation in Eastern Mediterranean his ambassador China in Greece Xiao Juncheng. At a press conference he gave today at the Chinese Embassy, ​​Xiao Juncheng pointed out that the escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean is not in the interests of either side, and expressed the hope that the parties concerned will resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, refrain from action, which could escalate tensions, and will work together to maintain peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Xiao Juncheng, who headed China’s diplomatic mission to Greece for more than a year, said the Greek government’s stance and stance on the Eastern Mediterranean is very moderate and rational, trying to reduce tensions and open doors for political consultation. with the Turkish side. “This is a very constructive, logical and reasonable position and policy,” he said and explained that China will do its best to create an atmosphere for Greece and Turkey to continue the path of consultation and political dialogue.

In addition, he stressed Greece’s role as a “gateway and bridge for cooperation between China and Europe”, assessing that in the future it will become even more visible and beneficial to it.

Speaking about the Greek economy, he said that Greece has emerged from the shadow of the European debt crisis and is “raising its head proudly again” as it embarks on a new plan for digital transformation and green growth. In these areas, he mentioned, Greece and China could strengthen their cooperation. In fact, he said that some Chinese companies have expressed interest in participating in the Greek Green Island Initiative and that they are currently conducting feasibility studies. Significantly, he said, a mountain wind farm in northeast Greece, built and operated with the participation of China Energy Europe Renewable Energy Company, produces green electricity for 30,000 households annually, while reducing CO2 emissions by 160,000 tons, equivalent to the planting of 360 000 trees every year.

Focusing on the economic relations between the two countries, he noted that from January to September of this year, the bilateral trade turnover between Greece and China reached 10.6 billion US dollars, an increase of 25% year on year, and expressed the hope that Greek companies will accept more Active participation. actively participated in the China International Import Expo, where Chinese consumers expressed their love for olive oil, wine, yolks, cheese, marble, fruits and other Greek products. Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, he said that Greece plays an important role.

After the Communist Party Congress, which was held from October 16 to 22, Xiao Juncheng said that China will steadily expand institutional openness in terms of rules, regulations, governance and standards, as well as in terms of Euro-China relations, which is estimated to will develop in the regions. among other things, industrial and supply chain cooperation, expanding market openness, implementation of the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement, bilateral financial openness. As he pointed out, “China and Europe are not competitors, let alone rivals,” and Eurasian cooperation is mutually beneficial, and there can be no question of one side sticking to the other.

Regarding the China Development Model and the China Development Strategy developed by the 20th National Congress of the CPC, Xiao Juncheng said that his country prioritizes the development of the digital, green and maritime economy. Pointing out that China’s middle class is over 400 million people and continues to grow, and that their desire for a better life is also reflected in their great interest and ability to buy quality goods from different countries, he suggested that Chinese modernization is the key word for future development. China. In this light, he said, China will cooperate with other countries to uphold the common values ​​of mankind such as peace, development, the rule of law, justice, democracy and freedom, and will continue to learn from the important cultural heritage of mankind.

Finally, speaking of Ukraine, he expressed confidence in the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and take into account the legitimate security interests of all countries. Seriously.

“As a responsible large country, China has always been on the side of peace and has since then strived to promote peace negotiations by playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation. China will never be a bystander, and China will never add fuel to the fire, let alone take advantage of a crisis,” he added.

Referring to the Chinese President’s recent meeting with the German Chancellor, he said that Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s support for Europe to play an important role in facilitating peace negotiations and building a balanced, efficient and sustainable security architecture in Europe. He also pointed out that under the current circumstances, the international community should support all efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, and called on the parties involved to remain rational and show restraint, start direct intervention as soon as possible and create conditions for the resumption of negotiations. At the same time, he stressed the need to “confront the threat or use of nuclear weapons and prevent a nuclear crisis in Eurasia”, and work together to maintain the stability of global production and supply chains and prevent the disruption of international cooperation in the fields of energy, food, finance and other sectors and subsequent damage to the global economic recovery.

^{Source: APE-MEB}