China Hits Back at the U.S.: “Do Not Interfere with the Port of Piraeus”

China Responds to Ambassador Gilfoyle’s Remarks

The Chinese Embassy in Greece issued a strong statement after new U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Gilfoyle suggested Greece should sell the Port of Piraeus to “limit Chinese influence.”

The embassy accused the ambassador of:

• Baseless attacks on Chinese investment
• Malicious defamation of Sino-Greek cooperation
• Interfering in Greece’s domestic affairs
• Displaying Cold War thinking and hegemonic logic

“Her statements violate fundamental diplomatic ethics and fully reveal the U.S.’s hidden agenda to serve its own geopolitical interests,” the statement said.

Beijing stressed that Sino-Greek cooperation is mutually beneficial and independent of third-party influence, emphasizing the historical support between the two nations.

Chinese Investment as a Model of Cooperation

China reminded that during Greece’s debt crisis, its investment allowed the port to become one of the top hubs in the Mediterranean and Europe.

Benefits include:

• Creation of tens of thousands of jobs
• Significant economic gains for Greece
• Strengthening Greece as a regional transport and shipping hub

The embassy emphasized that the investment is not a tool for geopolitical confrontation, but a symbol of mutual support between the two peoples.

Accusations of U.S. Self-Interest

China accused the U.S. of pressuring Greece to terminate contractual obligations and sell the port, calling this move:

• An example of imposing its will on others
• An attempt to undermine regional stability
• Evidence of a geopolitical strategy serving only American interests

“Such actions are doomed to fail in the face of the Greek people, bearers of millennia of culture and wisdom,” the statement added.

The Port Belongs to the Greek People

The Chinese Embassy highlighted that the port:

• Belongs to the Greek people
• Should not become a pawn in geopolitical games
• Must continue developing without disruption

China pledged to continue increasing investment, cooperating with the Greek people for further modernization and expansion of the port.

Geopolitical Stakes and “Cold War” Rhetoric

The embassy described Ambassador Gilfoyle’s statements as classic Cold War rhetoric, aiming to:

• Disrupt Sino-Greek relations
• Serve U.S. strategic interests
• Influence a key economic investment

China stressed that such measures will not succeed, as Greece maintains historical and political autonomy.

Implications for Greek Diplomacy

Although the statement focused on condemning the U.S., it highlighted Greece’s need to:

• Maintain good relations with both the U.S. and China
• Protect key economic investments and jobs
• Avoid regional geopolitical tensions

Economic Impact of the Port

The Port of Piraeus is now:

• A major Mediterranean transport hub
• A critical driver of jobs and economic growth
• A strategic point for shipping and commerce

Any forced sale or intervention could have serious consequences for local and regional economies.

High-Level Diplomatic Tensions

The Chinese Embassy delivered a clear and forceful message:

• The Port of Piraeus must not be a field for geopolitical confrontation
• The U.S. cannot impose unilateral actions
• China will continue investing and cooperating with Greece for mutual benefit

The statement sends a strong diplomatic and geopolitical signal, confirming China’s growing economic and political influence in the region.