The US administration of President Donald Trump is turning its attention to China's state ownership of the port of Piraeus in Greece, reports “Politico“, reports News.bg.
In an interview, US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle said that there are various approaches to limiting Chinese influence, including increasing investment in other ports or even a potential sale of Piraeus.
According to Guilfoyle, the presence of US infrastructure in Greece is key to helping the region and balancing the Chinese presence. She said the United States sees the country as a growing energy hub, important for ensuring energy independence and countering Russian and Chinese interests.
China has been investing heavily in Greece during the ongoing economic crisis, aiming to turn the country into a hub for Chinese exports. Athens has been actively negotiating with Beijing, while companies from other Western countries have held back due to financial difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles.
In 2016, Chinese state-owned shipping company Cosco acquired a majority stake in the port of Piraeus, making it a key point in China's global infrastructure project “One Belt, One Road”. The deal was completed under pressure from European creditors, with Cosco the only company to submit a bid.