On 28 May 2024, H.E. Liu Yantao, Ambassador of China to Cyprus, attended and addressed the Workshop on Mirror of Culture: A Unique Way to Understanding the China-Cyprus Strategic Partnership and China’s Foreign Policy. The following is the full text of Ambassador Liu’s keynote speech:

Friends from the Academia and Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Kalispera! It gives me great pleasure to meet you here and discuss the special column Mirror of Culture and the profound meaning behind it. First, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the co-organizer of this event, the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs of the University of Nicosia, and our partner for the Mirror of Culture, Cyprus Mail. I also want to express warm welcome to all friends from the academia and media who are present today.

President Xi Jinping points out that great civilizations enjoy similarity, mutual understanding, and more importantly, affinity between each other. Both China and Cyprus, as ancient civilizations, boast a long history and splendid culture. It is fair to say that similarity, mutual understanding and affinity between civilizations are the defining feature of the China-Cyprus strategic partnership. 

Last year, our embassy and Cyprus Mail jointly set up the special column, Mirror of Culture. By comparing the unique cultural traditions of China and Cyprus from different angles, we endeavor to find the similarities between our cultures, and on such basis, explore the deep bonds between our peoples. More than 10 editions have been published under this column, which have drawn wide attention. In my view, there are four common features between Chinese and Cypriot cultures. 

First, continuity. Ancient Chinese and Greek philosophers in the Axis Age formed their thinking, values and cultural traditions, which are still highly relevant today. For example, in China, the political pursuit of great unity, the people-centered governance approach, and the emphasis on morality and justice have been passed down from generation to generation. Meanwhile, the spirit of democracy, freedom and humanism of ancient Greece are important tenets of contemporary Western civilization.

Second, innovation. Both Chinese and Cypriot people are adapting to the changing times while keeping their traditions. For example, there is a story in the Mirror of Culture titled “Breathing new life into ethnic fashion”. Chinese designers have put new fashion elements into traditional Chinese dress, receiving international recognition. And the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (FHNC) has re-introduced traditional garments, techniques, and materials but with a modern and innovative twist, while also engaging the younger generation.

Third, inclusiveness. Both China and Cyprus embrace multiculturalism. For example, there is another story in the Mirror of Culture titled “Melting Pots of Culture”. Kizil caves, a Buddhist grotto in China’s Xinjiang, represent the cultural heritage of Ghandara art and witness the integration of  Chinese, Greek and Indian cultural features. Meanwhile, the mixture of civilizations has affected all aspects of Cyprus life: religion, cuisine, clothing, and language. The arches here are called the Cyprus arch, a mix between Gothic and Byzantine arches.

Fourth, peaceful nature. Both Chinese and Cypriot people love peace. The Chinese believe that peace is precious and that taking a step back, one may have a broader space. Meanwhile, the Goddess of Peace Eirene in Greek Mythology is widely respected, and the olive tree which symbolizes peace is everywhere in Cyprus. In addition, the shipwrecks in the South China Sea and Mazotos off the coast of Cyprus shed light on trade routes of history, reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to achieving peace and prosperity through foreign trade.

Friends, 

As an ancient Chinese scholar once observed, “Only with deep roots can a tree yield rich fruit; only filled with oil can a lamp burn brightly.” In fact, China’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in the 5000-year-long civilization. Dr. Henry Kissinger wrote that “China is singular. No other country can claim so long a continuous civilization, or such an intimate link to its ancient past and classical principles of strategy and statesmanship.” Today, the overall objective of our major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is to build a community with a shared future for mankind, which reflects the Chinese people’s unique outlook on morality, society, the world and the universe.

First, with an outlook on morality that puts justice before interests, we are committed to upholding international fairness and justice. The debate over justice and interests is the central topic in China’s traditional ethics. Some in the West may tend to put their own interests first and believe that there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. But the Chinese approach this issue in a different way. Confucius said that a man of virtue observes what is morally right, while a petty man only goes after personal gains. 

Today, in our foreign policy, we uphold common interests while put