China supports Cyprus playing a more active role, not only in the region, but also in the world, the Ambassador of China to Cyprus, Yundong Yang, said.
Noting that Cyprus upholds the same values as China, upholding multilateralism and safeguarding the rule of law at the UN, to build a just and equitable international order, the Ambassador noted that Cyprus has a very important role in the region.
“Cyprus has helped many countries to evacuate citizens from conflict areas. It has provided needed humanitarian assistance to conflict areas. Those actions gained Cyprus international respect,” he said, also making a reference to the successful Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of the year, noting that it played an important role in the promotion of the EU’s international affairs.
Additionally, he said that Cyprus is a “safe harbour” in the Mediterranean, praising its advanced shipping industry. Moreover, the Ambassador said that Cyprus is also a very popular tourist destination.
“Last year China put forward its global initiative,” which was, as he said, very well received by the international community. The Ambassador said that Cyprus and China face common challenges and should work together to promote trust among civilisations, “within a fair, just and equitable global governance system.”
“We ‘d like to implement this global initiative together,” he noted.
Asked about business opportunities for Cyprus corporations in China, Ambassador Yang said that China welcomes Cypriot companies to come to China, noting the great opportunities for international companies.
“We have been the second largest import market for 17 consecutive years; we have a 1.4 billion population, 400 million people with middle income. It is a promising market. For the first 5 months of 2026, China’s imports increased by 20%, faster than China’s exports,” he noted.
He also added that China’s service sector is also growing fast. As he said, China’s imports of services are up 65% in the last five years. He also referred to the increasing outbound tourism and to international Chinese students.
Additionally, the Ambassador noted that China has invested heavily in the high-tech sector, encouraging fast development for this kind of company. “China has built all necessary facilities for high-tech companies to join China,” he said.
Addressing the EU’s security concerns on Chinese investments in European infrastructure, the Ambassador said that China always respects every country’s security concerns.
He referred to China’s investment in Piraeus port in Greece, noting that before China operated it, it was declining. “We have transformed it into a modern port, one of the biggest in the Mediterranean,” he said, noting that it went from 90th in the world to 25th. “Cooperation with China does not bring negative effects; it benefits the local economy, it generates employment,” he said.
Asked to comment on his expectations for the mark of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and China, Ambassador Yang said that “we have built a very reliable and mutually trusted relationship, and, although we are different in size and background, we respect each other.”
He referred to President Nikos Christodoulides’ speech during an event organised by the Embassy, where he said that Cyprus is an important partner of China, supporting China-EU relations.
The Ambassador suggested increasing high-level exchanges between the two countries, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
“We support each other on issues of concern. Cyprus is committed to supporting the One China policy. We are committed to supporting Cyprus efforts to maintain its security and territorial independence,” he concluded.
