On Friday (04.07.2025), the Premier of China, Li Qiang, arrived on the island of Rhodes for a private visit. The Chinese government aircraft carrying Mr. Li landed on the Island of the Knights, where he was officially welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of Greece, Kostis Chatzidakis, the Governor of the South Aegean Region, George Hadjimarkos, and the Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis.
Immediately after his arrival, the Chinese Premier headed to the “Rodos Palace” hotel under tight security, accompanied by a large delegation.
Later, Mr. Li visited the Grand Master’s Palace, where he was received and guided through the historic site by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Chatzidakis. This was followed by bilateral talks between Greek and Chinese delegations.
The private visit of the Chinese Premier is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries, focusing on tourism, investments, and geopolitical stability. According to official announcements, Li Qiang will depart from the island early Saturday morning (05.07.2025).
The last time a Chinese leader visited Rhodes was in 2014, when President Xi Jinping was welcomed by then-Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.