Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis delivered a pointed defense of Greece’s early strategic engagement with China — dating back to the 2000s — during a dinner hosted by the Hellenic-Chinese Economic Association (SEKE) and local organizations in Xanthi on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The event honored Fang Qiu, China’s Ambassador to Greece.
Greece as a Pioneer in EU-China Cooperation
Karamanlis described Greece as a ‘pioneer’ in deepening cooperation between European countries and China. He noted that as early as 2004, Athens recognized its potential role as a ‘development and cooperation hub’ bridging Asia and Europe. His government’s strategy, he said, was built on economic diplomacy, shipping, trade, and tourism — and aimed to position Greece as the ‘main gateway’ for Chinese goods entering the Balkans and broader European markets.
The Piraeus Port Deal: A Strategic Bet That Paid Off
He placed particular emphasis on the landmark agreement with COSCO Shipping for the development of the Port of Piraeus — calling it a cornerstone of Greek-Chinese relations and a decision vindicated over time. ‘No other serious international player had expressed interest in Piraeus,’ Karamanlis stated, adding that COSCO’s investment created a competitive environment that later attracted additional global investors.
Today, he noted, Piraeus ranks among Europe’s top five ports and is the largest in the Mediterranean — generating thousands of jobs and substantial revenue for the Greek state.
Broadening Ties: Shipping, Stability, and Shared Positions
Karamanlis also highlighted Greece’s longstanding maritime collaboration with Chinese shipyards, citing that over 400 Greek-owned vessels were built in China within a 15-year span.
On geopolitics, he characterized China as a power capable of playing a ‘significant calming and stabilizing role’ in an increasingly unpredictable and volatile multipolar world. He underscored shared positions between Athens and Beijing on key issues — including the Cyprus question and the One-China principle.
Xanthi and Thrace: A Model of Coexistence
In the second part of his speech, Karamanlis turned attention to Thrace — particularly Xanthi — praising the region as a longstanding example of peaceful coexistence between Greek Christian and Muslim citizens, who have lived side by side for decades in harmony.