The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ukraine organized a formal reception in Kyiv to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, Ukrainian authorities, business circles, and the Chinese diaspora.
In his welcoming speech, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun emphasized that China has gone from being a post-conflict state to the world’s second largest economy, and today strives for “high-quality development” and global cooperation. “We have built a society of universal prosperity, lifted 800 million people out of poverty, and created the world’s largest education, healthcare, and social security systems,” he said.
The diplomat noted that between 2021 and 2024, China’s GDP grew by an average of 5.5% per year, and China’s economy is expected to exceed US$19.5 trillion in 2025. Ma Shenkun also mentioned successes in the field of high technology: the development of 5G infrastructure, electric vehicles, space and quantum projects.
He stressed that China and Ukraine are strategic partners: “Our cooperation is based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and sustainable development. In 2025, we have already signed two protocols on the export of Ukrainian peas and water resources to China.”
In addition, the ambassador expressed understanding for the challenges Ukraine faces today and assured that China will continue to advocate for a ceasefire and the promotion of a peaceful settlement.
During the reception, toasts were made to strengthen Sino-Ukrainian friendship, and cultural performances and exhibitions reflecting the cultural heritage of both countries were presented.
Ma Shengkun took office as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine on November 26, 2024.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and China were established on January 4, 1992. The Chinese Embassy in Kyiv began operating in December 1992.
China’s Global Governance Initiative will have a significant economic impact, believes the Ambassador of the PRC to Ukraine, Ma Shenkun.
“It creates new opportunities for the development of trade, investment, and technological exchange, and it can also help the recovery of the world economy after crisis phenomena,” the diplomat noted in a blog.
He pointed out that the Chinese approach envisions “openness, inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Ma Shenkun has been serving as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Ukraine since 2023.
A career diplomat, he previously held senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, worked in PRC missions in European countries, and participated in multilateral negotiations in the field of economic and security cooperation.
Source: Author’s column by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ukraine Ma Shenkun on the website of the information agency “Interfax-Ukraine”.
GLOBAL GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE, INTERNATIONAL LAW, PRC, UN, Xi Jinping
