As the birthplace of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and Greece have a relationship that is a natural attribute for two 'civilized' partners. Both countries represent ancient civilizations, and Greece has a good understanding of China from this perspective; it is one of the European countries most friendly to China.
As the birthplace of European classical civilization and one of the cradles of the Mediterranean Sea civilization, Greece is a typical maritime country. Chinese maritime trade often leases ships from countries including Greece and Denmark, and Greece has contributed significantly to helping China along the road to globalization.
The traditional Maritime Silk Road was from Quzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province to Venice in Italy. Today, the 21st century Maritime Silk Road starts from Lianyungang in east China's Jiangsu Province and arrives in Greece, from where it can extend into the European hinterland via the Balkans. Compared to the traditional route, it shortens the distance by seven to ten days, and as such is an important link between China and Central and Eastern Europe.
Seaport cooperation is another highlight of the relationship between China and Greece. In 2009, China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) signed a 35-year operating rights agreement for Piraeus port, the largest Greek sea port. The port played a key role in the evacuation of Chinese people during the Libyan crisis. China pursues sustainable maritime development, and will unite with the international community to create a sea of peace and harmony.
In terms of modern civilization, Greece is the birthplace of the European debt crisis. When Greece was confronted by a severe sovereign debt crisis and the wider European debt crisis, China took practical actions to help Greece and the euro zone out of the crisis through a massive purchase of Greek olive oil and other investments, as well as active buying of Greek bonds and the euro as a reserve currency.
As part of its role as a contemporary civilization Greece holds the EU's rotating presidency in the first half of this year. Greece is a role model in setting cooperation links between China and EU. Greece's strong support for China's Olympic development is a typical example. Greece offered extensive help and guidance during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, and Zhangjiakou's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Therefore, from a wide range of perspectives including classical civilization, modern civilization, and contemporary civilization, the China-Greece relationship can be regarded as a reflection of the significance of China and EU as partners in civilization. Moreover, both China and EU are in a historical phase of revival, thus it is natural for the two sides to work together to create a bright future for mankind.
The article is edited and translated from 《中希热络助推海上丝路复兴》， source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, author: Wang Yiwei, professor and director of EU Research Center at Renming University of China.