On 14 December 2025, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus Zhou Yunliang published a signed article titled Reaffirming Original Aspiration, Moving Forward Together on Cyprus Mail, in celebration of the 54th anniversary of China-Cyprus diplomatic relations. The full text is as follows:

On 14 December 1971, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Cyprus officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in China-Cyprus ties. Today, 14 December 2025, marks the 54th anniversary of this historic moment. Over the past 54 years, China-Cyprus relations have maintained steady and sound growth, setting a good example of friendship between countries of different sizes. On this special day, let us look back on our shared journey, revisit the original aspiration that guided the establishment of diplomatic ties, draw wisdom from history, and illuminate the path ahead.

The Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of China-Cyprus Diplomatic Relations is succinct and powerful, comprising three key elements: 

1. China and its people firmly support the Cypriot government and people in their just struggle against all forms of external interference and intervention, and in safeguarding Cyprus’ full independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity;

2. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entire Chinese people;

3. Both governments resolutely oppose imperialism and old and new colonialism, and agree to develop diplomatic, friendly and cooperative relations on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

Importantly, due to similar historical experiences and similar struggles, our two countries and peoples have all along supported and inspired each other, forging a close bond of unity. Over the past 54 years, it has become increasingly clear that China and Cyprus are good partners.

China and Cyprus are good partners with mutual trust.Close communication between the heads of state has guided the course for bilateral relations. In May 1974, Cyprus’ founding President Archbishop Makarios III visited China, holding talks with Chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders, thus opening a new chapter in head-of-state diplomacy between the two countries. In 2021, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the two heads of state formally announced the establishment of the China-Cyprus strategic partnership, injecting strong momentum into bilateral relations.

President Xi Jinping and President Nikos Christodoulides both attach great importance to and personally guide the development of China-Cyprus relations, providing strategic leadership for deepening the strategic partnership. The two sides have long supported each other on issues concerning each others’ core interests and major concerns. Cyprus firmly adheres to the one-China principle, while China speaks up for Cyprus on the Cyprus problem and supports a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement based on relevant UN resolutions and within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

China and Cyprus are good partners for mutual benefit.In 2019, the two countries signed an MOU on Belt and Road cooperation, putting practical cooperation on a fast track. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade reached USD 1.15 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 15.8%. In the first ten months of 2025, trade already reached USD 1.18 billion—a record high for the same period. China is now Cyprus’ fourth largest trading partner and third largest source of imports.

Cyprus has participated in the China International Import Expo for eight consecutive years, with products such as halloumi and Zivania increasingly popular among Chinese consumers. Chinese companies have contributed to upgrading Cyprus’ mobile network and participated in the construction of power stations and vessels, supporting the country’s economic and social development. As the Cypriot government focuses on digital and green transitions, its priorities align well with China’s new-quality productive forces, creating broad prospects and enormous potential for future cooperation.

China and Cyprus are good partners for mutual learning between civilizations.Both countries boast ancient histories and splendid cultures. The similarity, understanding and affinity between our civilizations is a defining feature of the China-Cyprus strategic partnership.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges have flourished. The China-Cyprus-Europe Media Forum, the China-Cyprus Youth Forum, and the Nicosia Book Fest with China as the Country of Honor have been successfully held. The event of the collection of China-Cyprus friendship stories and the “Mirror of Culture” special column have had widespread impact. The Confucius Institutes at the University of Cyprus and at the Cyprus University of Technology, as well as the China Studies Centre jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the European University Cyprus are thriving. The China-Cyprus Sister City Alliance, established in September 2023, has opened a new model of sister city interactions, featuring one-on-many and many-on-many cooperation. Since October 2024, the Chinese side has piloted a visa-free policy for Cypriot citizens, further facilitating exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

China and Cyprus are good partners with shared commitment.This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. In fact, the China-EU relationship has grown into one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world, contributing significantly to the wellbeing of both peoples and to global peace and development. Cyprus is an important partner of China within the EU and continues to play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China and Cyprus share similar positions in international affairs. We jointly uphold true multilateralism, the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The two sides maintain close communication and coordination in the UN and other international organizations, jointly promoting the common values of humanity—peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom—and working together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Not long ago, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee deliberated and adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, outlining the blueprint for China’s development in the next five years. Building a community with a shared future for humanity is the noble goal of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The recommendations set out a series of important measures to advance this endeavour. China is committed to fostering greater synergy between the two major forces, two major markets and two great civilizations of China and Europe, and to building a China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership with global influence.

In 2026, China and Cyprus will celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of the strategic partnership, while Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of next year. These milestones present new opportunities and prospects for the development of China-Cyprus and China-EU relations. At this new historical starting point, let us stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, and jointly usher in a golden era of China-Cyprus relations.

May China-Cyprus friendship shine as warmly and brightly as the Mediterranean sun, and endure—ever fresh and everlasting—like the ancient civilizations that bind our two peoples together!