Greek officials have given the impression that China had offered aid and economic support to Greece. However, on Wednesday, February 11, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no knowledge of such an offer. According to Reuters, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Nikos Chountis, who also holds the European Affairs portfolio, noted that Russia has offered to help Greece. “There have been proposals, offers I would say, from Russia, recently after the elections, for economic support as well as from China, regarding help and investment possibilities,” Chountis said, adding: “We have not asked for it.” Meanwhile, Panos Kammenos, Independent Greeks leader and National Defense Minister, stated that if the country is not able to reach an agreement with Eurozone leaders, then the government will have to look elsewhere for help, for example China. However, China’s Foreign Ministry appears to not be aware of this fact, stating that they had “no knowledge” of the matter. “We are willing to keep deepening cooperation and exchanges in all areas with the new Greek government on the basis of the principle of mutual respect and win-win to push the continued development of Sino-Greek ties,” said Hua Chunying. “As for the detailed situation you mentioned, I know nothing about it.” China has been closely monitoring the new Greek government actions since it was announced that the government was planning on putting a stop to the sale of Piraeus port stakes. Last year, the Chinese Cosco Group had shown interest in buying 67% of the Piraeus port stakes.
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