China accused the United States of meddling in “Greek internal affairs” on Wednesday in response to U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle‘s condemnation of a Chinese-controlled port.
“At a time when the port of Piraeus is undergoing rapid development, the U.S. with self-serving intentions, is encouraging Greece to terminate its contractual obligations and sell the port — this practice is a typical example of imposing its own thinking on others and reveals a mindset that attempts to undermine stability,” the Chinese Embassy in Athens said.
After China’s acquisition of the Port of Piraeus during Greece’s 2016 economic crisis, the communist regime expanded its foothold over the global shipping industry. Cosco, the Chinese state-owned company that operates the port, is estimated to transport roughly 6.2 million shipping containers filled with goods, a large portion of which are Chinese.
The embassy released the statement after Guilfoyle said last week that the Trump administration could buy back the key seaport to aid the president’s trade and energy agendas.
“It is unfortunate, but I think there’s ways around it, that something could be worked out, whether you pursue a path of enhancing output in other areas or perhaps that Piraeus could be for sale,” Guilfoyle said in an interview with local outlet Antenna TV.
“I think it’s very important to have American infrastructure here to help support the region,” she added. “To perhaps, in fact, enhance output from other ports and areas to balance against the Chinese influence with the port of Piraeus.”
RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WORKED ‘EQUALLY’ WITH US COUNTERPARTS ON PEACE DEAL FOR A MONTH, LEAVITT SAYS
Greek officials also responded to Guilfoyle’s remarks in a statement. They said the agreement between China and Greece must be respected and that the U.S. already had the opportunity to seize the port.
“The port of Piraeus was handed over to the Chinese during the financial crisis in Greece, as they were the only ones who submitted a bid,” Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said during a Tuesday briefing in Athens. “Greece respects the agreements that have been conducted in the past.”
