Cyprus-China Diplomatic Relations: 55 Years On

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Cyprus and China. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has remained a steadfast and consistent friend to Cyprus, firmly upholding principled stances on the settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Respect for international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and the right of each country to choose its own model of development, as well as non-interference in their internal affairs and the prevention of conflicts through cooperation – these principles are embodied and actively advocated by China in practice.

Even before the official establishment of the diplomatic ties, connections had already been fostered between the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) of Cyprus and the Communist Party of China (CPC). The strong and enduring relationship between AKEL and the CPC has played a significant role in consolidating and advancing the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

China’s rapid economic growth, particularly in recent years, has significantly contributed to global development. Sustained high growth rates, together with notable advancements in many fields, including green technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, have constantly strengthened China’s share of global GDP. China now accounts for 30 percent of global growth, compared to the U.S.’s 11.3 percent. Since 1980, China’s GDP has expanded 60-fold, while that of the U.S. has grown 10-fold. Among its most significant social achievements remains the eradication of extreme poverty and the marked improvement in living standards for its citizens.

It is no coincidence that U.S. President Donald Trump, viewing China as a systemic competitor, has sought to counter Chinese advances in green energy by reverting to fossil fuels – a move that not only sets back global environmental progress but also exposes the planet to serious ecological risks.

For Cyprus, there is substantial potential to benefit from deeper economic relations with China. Currently, Cyprus faces a pronounced trade deficit exceeding one billion euros. Although exports of goods such as wine, cheese, and juice have grown in recent years, they remain insufficient to balance trade on their own. Trade volume, however, is not the sole measure of a healthy economic relationship.

What Cyprus needs first and foremost is a comprehensive, multi-sector strategy for engaging with China. Such a strategy should extend beyond agriculture to include high-value sectors like shipping, tourism and education, which represent key pillars of the Cypriot economy. With targeted planning and specialized policies, Cyprus can better leverage China’s vast market scale and logistical capabilities – advantages that are particularly favorable for a small country. By broadening the scope of cooperation, Cyprus can tap into sustainable, long-term growth opportunities that transcend traditional trade imbalances.

Formulating a comprehensive strategy for cooperation with China is an imperative first step, one that requires sustained political will. China’s role and importance in the global political and economic arena is now so obvious that it needs no further analysis. Both the EU and Cyprus are facing serious economic and social challenges at home. European leaders need to keep channels of communication open with China and avoid automatic alignment with the U.S., as isolation is not a viable solution for any party.

For the embassy of a small country like Cyprus, to operate effectively in a country as vast as China, enhancing its visibility must be a top priority – provided the political will truly exists. A targeted effort to strengthen Cyprus’ diplomatic presence and visibility can yield multifaceted benefits across all areas of engagement. Leveraging modern communication and promotional tools will be particularly effective in a technologically advanced country like China, greatly facilitating this outreach.

Furthermore, Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the Council of Europe presents a strategic opportunity to systematically strengthen not only Cyprus-China relations but also broader EU-China ties.

Promoting Cyprus’s rich history, culture and unique natural beauty is essential for attracting tourists and raising public awareness of the country. However, any effective strategy must take into account the specific preferences, requirements and cultural nuances of Chinese travelers. Despite objective difficulties, such as geographical distance and language barriers, the Chinese market aligns well with Cyprus’ goal of attracting high-income, quality tourism. To capitalize on this potential, the simplification of visa issuance procedures for Chinese tourists should be prioritized, especially since China has already abolished visa requirements for Cypriot visitors. Additionally, Cyprus’ possible accession to the Schengen Area would significantly enhance its tourism prospects by facilitating easier access for international visitors. The approximately 10,000 Chinese nationals residing in Cyprus could act as cultural ambassadors, further boosting the country’s appeal to the Chinese market.

Given China’s vast size, there is a great potential for Cyprus to develop cooperation with individual provinces or autonomous regions, such as Xinjiang. With a population of approximately 25 million and diverse ethnic composition, Xinjiang shares geographical and cultural characteristics with Cyprus, including an emphasis on heritage and sustainable tourism. Despite these synergies, political challenges rooted in Western voices have occasionally limited deeper engagement. Nevertheless, Erkin Tuniyaz, the chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, who visited Cyprus in September 2023 after meeting with AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou, expressed the region’s readiness to develop economic cooperation with Cyprus.

Cyprus should approach its relationship with China not through the lens of ideological differences or systemic rivalry, but as a partner that respects international law and mutual interests. China’s consistent support for UN resolutions on the Cyprus issue underscores its commitment to principled diplomacy. This shared respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity provides a solid foundation for trust and cooperation.

In the economic sector, it is essential for the two countries to develop a comprehensive mutual cooperation partnership spanning key sectors such as investment, shipping, tourism, and education, beyond simple commercial transactions.

As Cyprus and China reflect on 55 years of diplomatic relations, the foundation built on mutual respect and shared principles remains as vital as ever. Looking ahead, the potential for deeper, multifaceted cooperation – from trade and tourism to education and green technology – offers a promising prospects for the bilateral relationship.

Nikos Ioannou is a member of the Central Committee of the Progressive Party of Working People of Cyprus.