Greek MP Spyros Tsironis criticizes Greece-China underwater heritage deal as lacking reciprocity

Greek City Times - During a parliamentary debate on the ratification of a cooperation agreement between Greece’s Ministry of Culture and China’s National Administration of Cultural Heritage, MP Spyros Tsironis of the NIKI party sharply criticized the deal, arguing that Greece must not appear as a “weak partner” in its relations with China.

The agreement focuses on the protection and promotion of underwater cultural heritage. Tsironis acknowledged the shared historical and cultural richness of Greece and China but stressed that any partnership must be grounded in reciprocity, transparency, and clear mutual benefits for Greece.

In his intervention, the Achaia MP highlighted several concerns with the agreement’s vague and non-binding language. He described it as resembling “a simple declaration of intentions rather than a substantive step forward,” noting the absence of specific short-term goals and the overly general nature of long-term projections.

Key Points of Criticism

Article 7: Tsironis expressed strong reservations about the potential establishment of a Chinese Archaeological Institute in Greece. He questioned why Greece would bear operational costs for a foreign institution without a reciprocal Greek institute in China, asking, “Where is the mutual cooperation and what is the tangible benefit for Greek interests?”

Article 5: The NIKI MP challenged the allocation of dedicated space in the new Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus for Chinese underwater antiquities, demanding clarity on what Greece receives in return, such as a permanent exhibit of Greek heritage in a Chinese museum.

Project Overruns: Tsironis linked the agreement to broader issues at the Ministry of Culture, pointing out that the Underwater Antiquities Museum’s budget has ballooned from an initial €77 million to €105 million amid delays and risks of losing European funding. He argued it was premature to commit public space in an unfinished project.

Despite his criticisms, Tsironis recognized potential positives in the collaboration. Greece’s extensive coastline and rich underwater archaeological treasures, combined with China’s advanced underwater research technologies, could yield benefits — particularly in Article 6, which addresses preventing illicit trafficking of cultural goods and combating archaeological looting.

“Greece has an invaluable underwater archaeological wealth and significant scientific tradition,” he noted, while emphasizing the need for the government to provide full details on costs, commitments, and real benefits to the country.

Tsironis concluded by stating that NIKI supports international cultural exchanges only when conducted on clear terms that respect Greece’s interests. “We refuse to co-sign blind agreements that portray our country as the weak or subordinate partner,” he declared.