Fang Qiu: Chinese economy has continued to move forward steadily, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality

Remarks by Ambassador Fang Qiu at the Reception Celebrating the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

Good evening! Καλησπέρα σας! Today, we gather here to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the China-Greece Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today also coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates reunion and togetherness. At this special moment, the same full moon shines upon us across time and distance, carrying our shared wishes for family reunion, happiness, peace, and prosperity. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Greece, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all the distinguished guests. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to friends from all sectors who have long supported China’s development and contributed to the cause of China-Greece friendship.

77 years ago, the founding of the People’s Republic of China  opened a new chapter in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Over the past 77 years, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people have worked tirelessly to build a country that was once poor and underdeveloped into the world’s second-largest economy. Since the beginning of the new era, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the CPC has united and led more than 1.4 billion Chinese people in advancing Chinese modernization. We have realized the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. By developing and transforming itself, China has also become an important contributor to global economic growth and inter-civilization mutual learning.

This year marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. It is a crucial year for reinforcing the foundations of modernization and promoting high-quality development. Faced with a turbulent global environment, China remains steadfast in pursuing high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization. The certainty of China’s own development injects valuable confidence into a world undergoing profound transformation. This is reflected in the following four “Rs”.

First, Resilient.

In the first half of this year, China’s GDP surpassed 10 trillion U.S. dollars, up 4.7 percent year on year. New growth drivers contributed more than 40 percent of economic growth. China’s total trade in goods exceeded 3 trillion U.S. dollars, up 16.9 percent year on year. Domestic and international economic circulation have become more closely connected, and the structure of trade more balanced. Amid the uncertainties of international markets, Chinese economy has continued to move forward steadily, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.

Second, Revolutionary.

Many of you may have noticed the Unitree robots welcoming guests in the reception hall today. They are a shining example of China’s technological innovation. China has made historic strides in major technological R&D and industrial applications. Reusable rockets, photonic quantum computing, biomedicine, new energy have all made key breakthroughs. With technological innovation and green transformation as twin engines of development, China is contributing to global innovation and industrial cooperation.

Third, Reciprocal.

China continues to expand institutional opening-up and have introduced unilateral visa-free policies for citizens of 50 countries including Greece. The China International Import Expo has been held for many consecutive years, providing businesses from all countries with access to China’s vast consumer market. Today, China is not only the “world’s factory”, but also the “world’s market”.

Fourth, Responsible.

Guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, China has demonstrated through concrete actions its sense of responsibility as a major country. The Belt and Road Initiative has become one of the most influential platforms for international cooperation. The four global initiatives respond directly to the defining challenges of our times and have received growing international recognition. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China firmly upholds the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and serves to advance global governance towards greater fairness and equity.

China has always viewed and handled its relations with the US from a deep sense of responsibility to the world. We are working to find the right way for China and the US to get along, one that serves the interests of both countries and benefits the world. As I speak, President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to the US at the invitation of President Donald Trump, which is closely followed and highly anticipated by the international community. President Xi has stressed that, in the face of the profound changes of the world, of our times and history, China and the US, as two major countries, shoulder a historic responsibility to advance the development and progress of humanity. The two heads of state have exchanged visits within less than six months, marking an unprecedented milestone in the history of China-US relations. During President Trump’s visit to China in May, the two leaders agreed to build a constructive relationship of strategic stability. President Xi’s visit to the US is aimed at turning this vision into action, and working toward a relationship defined by cooperation as the mainstay, competition conducted in a measured way, differences kept under control, and peace within reach. Together, the two countries can find the right way for major countries to coexist, and ensure that a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability brings greater benefits to the people of both countries and to people around the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Over the past 20 years since our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established, our two countries have followed the trend of the times, leveraged our respective strengths and steadily advanced bilateral relations at a high level, producing fruitful results across the board.

These have been 20 years of ever-deepening political trust. Leaders of our two countries have maintained close exchanges and promoted sound and steady development of our bilateral relations. We have always respected each other and treated each other as equals. On issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, we have shown mutual understanding and support. We have remained committed to the principles of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and actively practiced true multilateralism. Together we have set a shining example of friendship and win-win cooperation between countries with different systems and cultural backgrounds.

These have been 20 years of ever-deepening practical cooperation. Through our joint efforts, the ancient port of Piraeus has been revitalized into a major maritime hub in the Mediterranean. Cooperation on shipping, new energy and telecommunications has continued to flourish. Greek products like pharmaceuticals, marble, olive oil, whey are becoming increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. In 2025, Greece’s exports to China grew by 68 percent year on year. China-Greece economic and trade cooperation has indeed become a model for China-Europe cooperation.

These have been 20 years of increasingly vibrant people-to-people and cultural exchanges. From the Great Wall of China to the Acropolis of Athens, from Confucian thought to ancient Greek philosophy, the ancient wisdom offers important intellectual guidance for addressing challenges of our times. We have successfully hosted the World Conference of Classics and co-produced the documentary Incredible Encounter: When Socrates Met Confucius. A number of platforms for cultural and academic exchange have been established. Every year, more than 200,000 Chinese tourists visit Greece, while an increasing number of Greek friends are joining the “China Travel” wave. From north to south, from the mainland to the islands, everywhere I have traveled in Greece, I have felt deeply the friendship that local people have for China and their strong expectations for China-Greece cooperation. This profound affinity is precisely the deepest and most sincere foundation for the steady development of China-Greece relations.

Dear friends, none of these achievements would have been possible without the dedicated endeavors of all our old and new friends gathered here today. It is with all of you that we have painted together the splendid picture of China-Greece friendship and cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

Recently, The Odyssey, a film adapted from Homer’s epic has sparked another global Greek culture fever. It repeatedly highlights the ancient Greek concept of xenia, the tradition of hospitality and friendship toward guests. Ancient Chinese wisdom likewise teaches that “if you give me a peach, I will give you a plum in return.” This is yet another evidence that our two great civilizations both value kindness, friendship and hospitality. Such resonance is the deepest foundations of our people’s enduring friendship.

Standing at the new starting point, let us work hand in hand to translate our two peoples’ shared aspirations into more tangible results, to transform our friendship into a powerful force for world peace and development, and to ensure that the evergreen tree of China-Greece friendship grows even more vibrantly!

Thank you very much!