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As far back as 1998, China successfully acquired a Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag, the predecessor of the Liaoning, at an auction in Ukraine. This marks an important step in China's naval development. However, the process was not smooth sailing, but full of twists and turns.
The story of the aircraft carrier Varyag began after the collapse of the USSR, when the aircraft carrier was handed over to Ukraine. However, Ukraine was in economic trouble at the time and could not maintain the huge aircraft carrier. China saw the strategic value of the Varyag and tried to buy it, but was blocked by the United States, resulting in an unsuccessful deal. China was unwilling to give up, and eventually bought the Varyag at a high price by a businessman named Xu Zengping through private channels.
However, even if the purchase is successful, bringing the Varyag back to China is a difficult task. The United States had dismantled the ship's weapons and power systems before delivering them to China, leaving the Varyag almost an abandoned steel behemoth. China had to work with ITC in the Netherlands to tow the aircraft carrier back to China from Ukraine, a long and tortuous voyage.
However, the biggest challenge came when the Varyag tried to cross the Bosphorus. The Turkish government rejected China's application, insisting that the aircraft carrier return to Black Sea shipyards. Behind this incident, the shadow of the United States is also difficult to ignore. China had to negotiate for a long time, and in the end, the Greek government stepped forward and provided China with support and guarantees, so that the Varyag could pass through the Bosphorus.
During this difficult voyage, the Greek government's support was not only rhetorical, they provided China with escort of large tugboats and warships, and even sent helicopters and tugboats for emergency rescue when the Varyag was hit by a storm. Greece is deeply grateful for its selfless assistance.
China has always been a country with great affection, not only repaying Greece's support, but also actively participating in Greece's economic recovery. Greece fell into an economic crisis in 2009, and China provided loans and infrastructure projects, especially investment in the port of Piraeus, which created a lot of jobs and profits for Greece. In addition, China has also carried out trade cooperation with Greece and imported Greek agricultural and livestock products, which has promoted the economic growth of both sides.
Greece has also always expressed its gratitude to China, not only supporting China in international affairs, but also lending a helping hand in many crises. Especially when the new crown epidemic broke out in 2020, China supported Greece to provide anti-epidemic materials, and the friendship between the two countries deepened.
After a stormy journey, the Varyag finally arrived in China in 2002, adding a new bright spot to China's naval strength. This history not only demonstrates China's indomitable determination, but also demonstrates the profound friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Greece. This story teaches us that in international relations, not only interests and strength, but friendship and trust are also crucial.
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