Chinese Ambassador reiterates principle in favor of “One China, one Cyprus”

China's Ambassador to Cyprus Liu Yantao has reiterated the position of the People's Republic of China in favour of "one China and one Cyprus."

Speaking through an interpreter while briefing a group of Cypriot journalists that will be hosted in China by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 19 June, Yantao said that China and Cyprus support the principle of "one China and one Cyprus" and that the leaderships of the two countries are in contact on a regular basis on important issues, such as for example the opening of the closed area of Varosha and renewal of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

He added that even at UN level, China always supports the positions of Cyprus, particularly when the Cyprus issue is discussed.

Replying to a question on whether Cyprus could count on Chinese support in case it appeals to the UN Security Council for sanctions against Turkey for the opening of the fenced-off city of Varosha, the Chinese Ambassador reminded that there are already UN Security Council resolutions on the Varosha issue and stressed that these resolutions are still in force. He added that on the basis of these resolutions, China supports Cyprus in its efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem under the condition of a bicommunal bizonal federal solution, while encouraging the parties involved to have more contacts and communication always aiming at a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

Particularly on sanctions, the Chinese Ambassador, speaking through interpretation, said that this is a very complicated issue and that what should primarily be considered is who will apply the sanctions. He noted that Cyprus may request imposing sanctions, but the problem is which countries will implement these sanctions. "The EU or NATO? Turkey is also a member of NATO" he said explaining that therefore the problem relates to the implementation of the sanctions, which countries will support them and which countries will put pressure on Turkey.

Replying to whether China-Cyprus relations are affected by the international environment and China’s relations with the EU, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China noted that it is normal for Cyprus' policy as an EU member state to be driven by the situation and by developments within the EU framework. However, he stressed at the same time that bilateral relations between China and Cyprus are nevertheless resilient.

At the same time, he expressed the belief that the positive steps in China-EU relations achieved recently set the appropriate framework for deepening China-Cyprus relations on the basis of the 50-year-old traditional friendship between the two countries. He also underlined that China-Cyprus relations are an example of commitment to the UN Charter and the promotion and advancement of international justice, and that the two countries share common values and principles, something very important, as he indicated.

Regarding trade and economic issues, the Chinese Ambassador recalled that in 2022 the volume of trade between China and Cyprus reached 1.22 billion US dollars and that in recent years Cyprus has participated in the Shanghai International Trade Fair. He also noted that several Cypriot products are popular in China, such as halloumi, zivania and fruit juices, but also that at this stage discussions on expanding Cypriot exports to China continue in order to include products such as honey and seafood. He also mentioned that China's largest e-commerce website (jd.com) has a special section with Cypriot products.

Recalling that not long ago the Vice Minister of Tourism and Culture of China visited Cyprus and had very constructive and fruitful meetings with the Cypriot Minister of Transport and Deputy Ministers of Tourism and Culture, the Chinese Ambassador noted that the two sides are focusing now their attention on the negotiations for signing an agreement on civil aviation matters aiming at launching a direct flight between the two countries that will further promote tourism between the two countries.

Finally, regarding cultural issues, he said that in this year's book fair in Nicosia, China will be the honored country and that a Chinese delegation will arrive from China to participate at the fair, while the Embassy also plans to hold a week of Chinese culture in Cyprus.

(Source: CNA)