A top Chinese diplomat expressed support for visa facilitation for Cypriot travel, aiming to boost tourism, economic cooperation, and direct flights, while addressing key defense and energy project discussions in Beijing.

Chinese authorities are in favour of visa facilitation procedures for travels to Cyprus in order to make it easier for tourists to visit the island, according to statements by a top official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who met with a group of Cypriot journalists in Beijing a few days ago.

The press delegation visit which took place at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy, lasted about a week and included a visit to Beijing, Xi'an and Weinan.

Yao Fei, Minister Counsellor of the Department of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed the group of journalists and answered questions related to diplomatic relations, China's economy and growth, the Vassiliko energy project in Cyprus , a possible defence cooperation, as well as internal affairs such as how China dealt with a huge traffic problem and pollution, the green transition and artificial intelligence.

The answers were given in Greek through an interpreter, who was a staff at the Embassy in Nicosia the previous years and who initiated the organization of press visits to China.

Visa Procedures and Tourism Expansion

Yao Fei, along with other executives of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry, described obtaining a visa a difficult matter, pointing out that this difficult procedure "affects the enthusiasm of citizens to make the trip".

He expressed hope that measures would be taken to facilitate the process, while also stating that something that would help with visits is having signs and interpretation in Chinese at the various archaeological sites and places of interest.

Fei also stated that he would like to see more events to promote Cyprus in China in order to attract tourists. He described Cyprus as a generally safe destination, saying at the same time that the Chinese spend on their travels and "the Cypriot authorities should also take measures so that the Chinese spend their money on the island".

Regarding the possibility of direct flights, the Chinese diplomat said that a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2024 and discussions are now underway "to see what the market really wants".

Defence Equipment and the Vassiliko Energy Project

When asked whether China would favour cooperation with Cyprus in the defence sector, the high-ranking official clarified that the issue falls in the competence of Defense Ministry of Defense. However, he stressed that the common goal of any potential cooperation should be the promotion of security in the world.

Regarding Vassiliko energy project and the collapse of the agreement with the Chinese CPP-METRON Consortium Ltd (CMC), Xao Changyin, Deputy Director of the Department of Eurasian Affairs at MFA responded that they are aware of the situation.

"We are aware of the case, we know what is happening and we support the companies to continue the dialogue and negotiations through their own channels," he stressed.

He further said that it is good to maintain the dialogue and continue the cooperation for the good of both countries.

Exporting Know-How and Development Expertise

Fei was asked whether the Chinese authorities would be interested in contributing their know-how and experience to the implementation of development projects in Cyprus (roads, hospitals, etc.) and he replied that China is willing to share its successful experiences and encourages companies to come to Cyprus.

"We encourage this, to come, to start [projects] with mutual funds. But Cyprus, on its part, should also help to find a common ground on specific issues. The prospects for cooperation are very bright," the official said.

Traffic Congestion, Green Transition, and Electric Vehicles

The Foreign Ministry official was also asked about how his country managed to deal with the huge traffic congestion and, by extension, pollution. Beijing alone has a population of 21.8 million.

As we were told, half or more of the vehicles are electric hat carry green plates and the Government provides incentives for their purchase (reduced taxes) as it attaches great importance to green development.

For gasoline and diesel vehicles, special restrictions apply during the week.

Economic Growth Plans and Bilateral Relations

China's economy grew by 5% in the first quarter of 2026. Every five years, the government prepares a special growth plan and the main goal, among others, is the expansion of the middle class and the extroversion of the economy.

In the briefing for Cypriot journalists, which followed the briefing of the foreign press by the representative of the MFA, reference was also made to the world conference on artificial intelligence that Shanghai hosted recently. The officials noted the rapid development of AI at a global level and the challenges and opportunities that must be addressed.

During the meeting with the press delegation the MFA diplomat referred to the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cyprus and the long history and culture of the two countries. Yao Fei said in his remarks that this is a stable relationship of trust that constitutes a tangible example of the coexistence of large and smaller countries.

He reiterated China's firm stance on the Cyprus issue and expressed gratitude for Cyprus' support for one China police. He also recalled that from 2021 the Presidents of the two countries agreed to upgrade relations, adding that China is willing to cooperate in every field.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)