Speech by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus Zhou Yunliang at the International Seminar “From Civilizational Differences to Shared Values: China-Europe[...]

On June 2, Mr Zhou Yunliang, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of China in Cyprus, attended and addressed the international seminar "From Civilizational Differences to Shared Values: China-Europe Dialogue in a Multipolar World". The following is the full text of Mr. Zhou's speech： 

Mr Kostakis Konstantinou, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Research Institute Promitheas, 

Mr Yang Yuan, Deputy Director of Institute of European Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,

Professor Panos Papageorgis, Vice Rector of Research and External Affairs of European University Cyprus,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, 

Kalimera! It gives me great pleasure to attend the international seminar "From Civilizational Differences to Shared Values: China-Europe Dialogue in a Multipolar World." 

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, I would like to begin by extending warm congratulations on the opening of this seminar and expressing sincere welcome to all distinguished guests. I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Promitheas Research Institute, the Institute of European Studies of CASS, the CASS-EUC Centre on China Studies, and friends from all sectors who care about and support the growth of China-Europe and China-Cyprus relations. 

Last year, we jointly hosted the seminar entitled "The International System in a Fast-Changing World." Over the past year, the international landscape has become even more turbulent. Geopolitical conflicts have flared up in various regions, while both longstanding and emerging crises continue to unfold. Standing at a crossroads that will shape the future of humanity, an increasing number of countries and peoples have come to recognize that multipolarity is the defining trend of today's world, and that a sound and stable international order should not be dictated by one or two countries alone. At the same time, the international community has yet to reach a common understanding of how multipolarity should evolve amid the profound changes unseen in a century, and how countries should participate in and advance this process. 

China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world. We uphold the principle that all countries, regardless of size, are equal members of the international community, and we oppose hegemonism and power politics. We believe that global affairs should be discussed and decided by all countries together, and the future of the world should be in the hands of all nations. Meanwhile, the multipolarization process should be stable, constructive, and conducive to peace and development. All countries should jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the universally recognized norms governing international relations, and practice true multilateralism. 

Friends, 

China is the world's largest developing country. Europe is home to the highest concentration of developed countries, and the EU is the largest grouping among them. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that a sound and stable China-Europe relationship not only serves the interests of both sides, but also benefits the entire world. China and Europe are both indispensable poles in a multipolar world. We are partners, not rivals, and the choices we make together will have a profound impact on the future of the world. 

First, China and Europe should uphold mutual respect and seek common ground while respecting differences. 

Situated at the two ends of the Eurasian continent, China and Europe have developed distinct social systems and development models through the evolution of their millennia-old civilizations. These are choices made independently by our peoples. Such differences have never prevented the growth of China-Europe relations, nor should they become obstacles to future cooperation. China has always viewed and developed its relations with Europe from a strategic and long-term perspective. We support European integration and the EU's strategic autonomy, and welcome Europe playing a greater role in international affairs. At the same time, we hope that Europe will respect the path and system chosen by the Chinese people, respect China's core interests and major concerns, and support China's continued development and prosperity. 

Second, China and Europe should deepen open cooperation and pursue win-win outcomes. 

In Europe, some voices advocate "de-risking" from China or promoting "decoupling" and the severing of industrial and supply chains. Others have pushed forward legislative proposals such as revisions to the Cybersecurity Act and the Industrial Accelerator Act. In our view, politicizing economic and trade issues and overstretching the concept of security won't work. China-Europe economic and trade relations are fundamentally complementary and mutually beneficial. Any imbalances can and should be addressed through development and cooperation. Interdependence is not a risk, and converging interests are not a threat. Competitiveness cannot be enhanced by building walls or barriers, while decoupling and supply-chain fragmentation ultimately lead only to self-isolation. China's high-quality development and high-standard opening-up will continue to create new opportunities and broader space for China-Europe cooperation. 

Third, China and Europe should uphold multilateralism and work together to safeguard fairness and justice. 

Multilateralism represents one of the broadest areas of consensus between China and Europe. We share extensive common interests in upholding the UN-centered international system, maintaining an international order based on international law, and promoting international relations guided by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We also share a common commitment to advancing a more just and equitable system of global governance. China has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to addressing global challenges. China stands ready to work with Europe to make our global village a better place and build a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Friends, 

Cyprus is holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. Over the years, it has played a constructive role in promoting China-Europe relations, which we highly appreciate. 

This year is of special significance for China-Cyprus relations, as it marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 5th anniversary of our strategic partnership.

 In fact, China-Cyprus relations have maintained a sound and steady momentum, setting a fine example of equality and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of different sizes. Our two sides have consistently understood and supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns. Cyprus firmly adheres to the one-China principle, while China has consistently upheld justice and voiced support for Cyprus on the Cyprus problem. 

Economic and trade cooperation has continued to deepen. Last year, bilateral trade in goods reached a record high of US$1.44 billion, while practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has entered a fast track. People-to-people and cultural exchanges have also become increasingly vibrant. The Confucius Institutes at the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology are flourishing. The China-Cyprus Sister City Alliance continues to expand. The China-Cyprus-Europe Media Forum and the China-Cyprus Youth Forum have been successfully held. In addition, the Chinese Film Week in Cyprus, scheduled from June 10 to 15, will provide yet another platform for promoting dialogue and mutual understanding between our civilizations. We warmly welcome your participation. 

Friends, 

As an old Chinese saying goes, "Nothing can separate people who share the same aspirations, not even mountains and seas." Everyone present today is a supporter, contributor, and stakeholder in the development of China-Europe and China-Cyprus relations. I hope you will make full use of your expertise, exchange views openly, inspire one another through dialogue, and contribute valuable insights to the further strengthening of China-Europe and China-Cyprus relations. 

To conclude, I wish this seminar every success. Thank you.