China’s embassy in Greece strongly criticized U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle’s remarks on the Port of Piraeus, the largest port in Greece, calling them a “malicious slander of the normal Sino-Greek commercial cooperation” and a “serious interference in Greece’s internal affairs.”

In a sharply worded statement, the Chinese embassy in Greece has condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, who recently suggested that “one day [Piraeus] could be for sale.”

Following direct shots from Ms. Guilfoyle, the Chinese embassy in the country issued a tough statement on November 19 that demonstrates Beijing’s annoyance with the developments.

Guilfoyle’s remarks originated from a recent interview to Greek TV network ANT1.

“I think it’s very important we have so many people interested from the infrastructure perspective to have American infrastructure here to help support the region, to perhaps in fact enhance output from other ports and areas to balance against the Chinese influence with the port of Piraeus.  Unfortunately, at that time, as your Prime Minister had mentioned, there were no other bidders,” Guilfoyle said in the interview with Greek ANT1 TV.

“I think there are ways around it that something could be worked out, whether you pursue a path of enhancing output in other areas or perhaps that someday [Piraeus] could be for sale.”

In a rare statement, the Chinese embassy highlighted its investment in the Port of Piraeus as a successful model of Sino-Greek cooperation that benefited Greece during its debt crisis.

Highlighting the cooperative spirit between the two nations, the embassy emphasized that China-Greece partnership is based solely on mutual support, free from geopolitical calculations.

The Chinese involvement in the port, the statement asserted, stands as a prime example of fruitful bilateral relations, with Chinese enterprises committed to ongoing investments in tandem with Greek labor to elevate the port development further.

It pointed to Beijing’s support for Greece amid its debt crisis, which transformed Piraeus into one of the top major ports in the Mediterranean and Europe.

“When Greece was facing the debt crisis, China extended a helping hand, allowing the Port of Piraeus to develop into one of the top major ports in the Mediterranean and Europe, creating tens of thousands of jobs and offering significant economic benefits to Greece,” the Chinese embassy statement said.

The embassy underscored that “the success of the Chinese investment in the Port of Piraeus is not only a model of Sino-Greek commercial cooperation but also evidence of the mutual support between the two peoples in difficult times. In the future, Chinese enterprises will continue to increase their investments and, together with the hardworking and wise Greek people, will contribute to the even better development of the port.”

The statement emphasized that the “Port of Piraeus belongs forever to the Greek people; it is not a tool for undermining regional prosperity and stability, and under no circumstances should it fall victim to geopolitical confrontation. At a time when the Port of Piraeus is developing rapidly, America, with self-serving intentions, is inciting Greece to terminate its contractual obligations and sell the port – this practice is a typical example of imposing one’s own thinking on others and reveals a mentality that seeks to undermine stability.”

When the Greek minister of maritime affairs and insular policy, Vasilis Kikilias, was asked by reporters whether there is an issue with Cosco and the signatures of the Greek side, he replied that he does not respond to rumours, pointing out that “the agreements are those that are meant to be respected by all sides.”

Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) reported record financial performance in 2024, with net profits reaching €87.4m, a year-on-year increase of 30.8%.