Chinese authorities are seeking easier visa procedures for travel to Cyprus in a bid to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the island, a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official told a group of Cypriot journalists during a recent visit to Beijing.
The week-long visit, organised at the invitation of the Chinese Embassy, included stops in Beijing, Xi'an and Guiyang.
Visas and tourism
Yao Fei, Minister Counsellor for European Affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, described the requirement for Chinese nationals to obtain a visa to visit Cyprus as a challenge, saying the process affects people's willingness to travel.
He expressed hope that measures would be introduced to simplify procedures and suggested that Chinese-language signage, explanations and interpretation services at archaeological sites and tourist attractions would help encourage more visits.
Yao also said he would like to see more promotional activities showcasing Cyprus in China to attract tourists.
Describing Cyprus as a safe destination, he noted that Chinese travellers tend to spend significantly while abroad and said Cypriot authorities should take steps to encourage more spending by Chinese visitors on the island.
Regarding the possibility of direct flights, Yao said a memorandum of understanding was signed in 2024 and discussions are continuing to assess market demand.
Defence cooperation and Vasiliko
Asked about potential defence cooperation between China and Cyprus, Yao said the matter falls under the responsibility of China's defence authorities rather than the Foreign Ministry. He added, however, that any future cooperation should contribute to international security and stability.
Questions were also raised about Vasiliko and the collapse of the agreement involving the Chinese consortium CPP-METRON Consortium Ltd (CMC).
Xao Changyin, Deputy Director of the Eurasian Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry, said Chinese authorities are monitoring developments and support continued dialogue and negotiations between the parties involved.
He stressed that maintaining communication and cooperation would benefit both countries.
Infrastructure and investment opportunities
Yao said China is willing to share its development experience and encourage Chinese companies to pursue projects in Cyprus.
He said Beijing supports investment initiatives based on mutual capital participation but added that Cyprus should also help create conditions that facilitate cooperation on specific issues.
"The prospects for cooperation are very bright," he said.
Traffic, green transition and electric vehicles
Chinese officials were also asked about how the country has tackled traffic congestion and pollution, particularly in Beijing, which has a population of approximately 21.8 million.
They said that around half, or more, of the vehicles on Beijing's roads are now electric and carry green licence plates.
The government provides incentives, including tax benefits, for the purchase of electric vehicles as part of its broader green development strategy.
At the same time, restrictions apply to the use of petrol and diesel vehicles on certain days of the week.
Economy and artificial intelligence
China's economy recorded growth of 5% in the first quarter of 2026, officials said.
They also outlined the country's five-year development plans, which focus on expanding the middle class and increasing economic openness.
The briefing to Cypriot journalists also included discussion of the recent global artificial intelligence conference hosted in Shanghai, with officials highlighting both the rapid development of AI and the challenges and risks associated with the technology.
Bilateral relations
The discussions also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cyprus.
Yao described the relationship as a stable and trusting partnership that demonstrates how large and smaller countries can cooperate successfully.
He reiterated China's longstanding position on the Cyprus issue and expressed gratitude for Cyprus' support of the One China principle.
He also noted that the two countries agreed in 2021 to upgrade bilateral relations and said China remains willing to deepen cooperation and communication across all sectors.
Source: CNA
