Athens – Chinese-American relations in Greece have witnessed renewed tension following statements
by the new US ambassador to Athens, Kimberly Guilfoyle,
Which called on Greece to “sell the port of Piraeus to counter Chinese influence.”
The Chinese embassy in Greece expressed
its “strong dissatisfaction” with these statements.
It considered it a serious interference in the country’s internal affairs
and a “distortion of normal trade cooperation.”
The embassy spokesperson noted that these statements
were “saturated with a Cold War mentality and a logic of domination.”
He called for respect for diplomatic ethics
and the rights of Chinese investing companies.
Greece’s position
Respecting agreements is not Washington’s responsibility.
Athens’ response was decisive, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Lana Zohew rejecting any American pressure regarding the port.
Mutual respect
Zohio confirmed that Greece respects the agreements
previously concluded regarding the port of Piraeus.
Which was granted to the Chinese during the financial crisis
when the Chinese offer was “the only one available”.
He rejected the alliance
She stressed that “there is no room for any alliance with the United States in this matter.”
She added that Athens is “open to investment,”
but that this is “not within the purview of the United States.”
Beijing: Piraeus belongs to the people
In closing, the Chinese embassy warned that US pressure
would not succeed in the face of “the wisdom of the Greek people”.
She emphasized that the port is the property of the people of Athens
and will not be a tool for geopolitical confrontation.
She noted that Chinese cooperation helped the port become
one of the leading ports in the Mediterranean and Europe.
