- The Chinese Ambassador to Greece met with Crete’s Regional Governor yesterday.
- Focus: tourism, culture, and agri-food cooperation (with a generous pour of olive oil).
- New visa-free travel measures and direct flights could bring more Chinese visitors to Crete.
- Fang Qiu: “Crete can become a four-season destination for Chinese travelers.”
Crete’s olive oil once sailed across empires. Now it might be heading for Beijing — with official blessings. This week, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Governor of Crete, met with Fang Qiu, China’s Ambassador to Greece, to discuss what both sides love best: trade, tourism, and long lunches.
The meeting coincided with the visit of Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Council of China, marking a high-level moment in Greek-Chinese relations. The timing is symbolic: in 2026, the two countries will celebrate 20 years of strategic partnership. Apparently, friendship ages well — like Cretan raki.
Ambassador Fang Qiu emphasized the milestone’s importance, saying (translated from Greek):
“The anniversary is not only a celebration but an opportunity to deepen our cooperation — in culture, education, technology, energy, and trade.”
Which, in diplomatic terms, means: Let us buy your olive oil, and maybe send you more tourists.
The Olive Oil Affair
At the heart of the conversation was the pride of Crete — its agri-food products, led by olive oil. Ambassador Fang praised the island’s produce as “of exceptional quality,” highlighting the therapeutic properties of Cretan olive oil.
“Cretan olive oil deserves a place on every Chinese table,” he said, noting its reputation for promoting longevity.
Governor Arnaoutakis responded with the same calm confidence he uses for everything Cretan and eternal:
“We continue our efforts, together with local producers, to bring Crete’s best products to the world’s markets.”
In short, Crete wants to export wellness; China wants to import it. Everybody wins — especially the olive trees.
Tourism Takes the Spotlight
Beyond the bottles, the talk turned to travel. With three direct air connections now linking China and Athens, Fang Qiu sees an opportunity for Crete to ride the tailwind.
“These routes act as bridges between our peoples,” he said.
He also welcomed Beijing’s recent decision to extend visa-free stays for Greek citizens to 30 days, describing it as “a measure that strengthens mutual trust and facilitates travel.”
Translation: pack your bags, because more Greek-Chinese selfies are coming to Knossos soon.
Governor Arnaoutakis, never missing a chance to plug the island’s charm, said Crete is ready to welcome Chinese travelers “not just in summer, but all year round.”
Four Seasons of Cretan Charm
As the meeting wrapped up, Fang Qiu delivered the line that will no doubt headline future tourism brochures:
“Crete can become a four-season destination for Chinese visitors.”
It is a diplomatic truth — or perhaps wishful thinking — but one that fits perfectly in a place where winter means oranges, autumn means wine, spring means wildflowers, and summer means absolutely everything else.
If olive oil and culture are the bridges between East and West, then Crete stands proudly in the middle — offering its vineyards, beaches, monasteries, and a well-rehearsed smile that says, “Ni hao, welcome, would you like another meze?”