China reaffirms support for Moldova's European integration, promises to expand economic cooperation

Enhancing practical cooperation between China and Moldova will propel Moldova’s economic and social development and improve people’s livelihoods, thus contributes to Moldova’s goal of EU accession, China’s Ambassador to Moldova Dong Zhihua has told MOLDPRES.  The Chinese diplomat emphasized that Beijing was ready to synchronize development strategies with the ones of the Chisinau authorities and to expand exchanges in key areas, including human resources, governance and green energy.

“In my recent exchanges with representatives from various sectors in Moldova, I have observed that joining the European Union has become the prevailing public opinion in Moldovan society. We are willing to synergize development strategies, including inviting Moldovan representatives from all sectors to participate in human resources development cooperation seminars in China and enhancing exchanges on governance experiences. Enhancing practical cooperation between China and Moldova will propel Moldova’s economic and social development and improve people’s livelihoods, thus contributes to Moldova’s goal of EU accession, ‘’ said the ambassador.

During former Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s visit to Moldova in 2001, the joint statement issued by both sides explicitly stated that “the People’s Republic of China understands and respects the Republic of Moldova’s choice to join the European Union.”

According to the diplomat, China’s enormous domestic market, complete industrial system, abundant human resources all coming to the fore. These strengths form the foundation of China’s confidence in achieving socialist modernization and represent the advantages China can fully leverage in its cooperation with Moldova.

This year, our two countries signed protocols on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for the export of grape and sunflower seed flour from Moldova to China. We will further expand imports of high-quality agricultural products from Moldova, such as grape seeds and walnuts.

“We will further expand imports of high-quality agricultural products from Moldova, such as grape seeds and walnuts. China possesses the world’s most comprehensive and largest industrial system, and has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system,” the ambassador noted.

China expresses its willingness to support Moldova in developing the green economy and in energy transition, highlighting the projects already carried out under the Belt and Road Initiative. They include the photovoltaic power station in Criuleni – the largest in the country – and investments in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, now in its third phase of expansion.

The ambassador reiterated that the bilateral relationship was guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

“Moldova was among the earliest countries to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative. China never attaches political conditions or interferes in other countries’ internal affairs. From the ancient Chinese Silk Road to today's Belt and Road Initiative, neither was ever driven by colonial ambitions, nor have they ever interfered in the internal affairs of other nations under the guise of providing assistance. Our relationship should never be subject to interference from third parties. I would like to reiterate that during my tenure, I will spare no effort to advance China-Moldova relations and cooperation across the board to achieve more new outcomes,’’ the ambassador emphasized.

According to the diplomat, whether during its accession process or after joining the EU, Moldova will forever remain China’s good friend and partner.

China aims to accelerate the economic development and modernization of the country, focusing on improving the living conditions of citizens, and in this endeavor, it invites Moldova to join the “fast train” of Chinese development. The call by new Chinese Ambassador to Moldova Dong Zhihua, at a news conference on December 5. The ambassador presented her mandate's priorities, spoke about China's strategic development plan for the next five years, and new cooperation opportunities Moldova.

On December 3, the new Chinese ambassador, Dong Zhihua, presented her letters of accreditation to President Maia Sandu and conveyed the cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping and the good wishes on behalf of the Chinese government and people for the authorities and citizens of Moldova. The event marked the official beginning of her mandate in Moldova.