On this day 53 years ago, on June 5, 1972 (April 24, 1972 in the lunar calendar), our country established diplomatic relations with Greece. The Parthenon, located in Athens, is a symbol of ancient Greece. Greece, the full name of the Greek Republic. Means "the place where the Helon people live". Located at the southernmost tip of the Balkan Peninsula. With an area of 131,957 square kilometers, 15% are islands. The population 10.35 million (1993), more than 98% are Greeks, speak Greek, and believe in Orthodox Christianity; the minority is Turks, who believe in Islam. The capital Athens. The main minerals are bauxite, lignite, nickel, chromium, magnesium, asbestos, copper, uranium, gold, oil, etc. The forest coverage rate is 20%. It is an economically underdeveloped country in the European Community. Per capita GDP is about 2.579 million drachma (1995). Crops are wheat, barley, corn, oats, rice, etc. The industrial base is weak, mainly composed of mining, manufacturing, energy, and construction. Exports of ready-to-wear, shoes, petroleum products, fruits, textiles, flue-cured tobacco, olive oil, aluminum products, cement; imports of crude oil, petroleum products, automobiles, paper, wood, industrial machinery and equipment, meat, electric motors, and electrical appliances. Domestic transportation is mainly by road, and external transportation is mainly far away. Has the world's largest merchant fleet. The birthplace of Western civilization. Minoan culture existed in Crete from 300 to 1400 BC. Slavery city-states appeared in 800 BC. The 5th century BC was the heyday. Later it was ruled by Macedonia, Rome, and Byzantium. Ruled by the Ottoman Empire since 1460. On March 25, 1821, the War of Independence broke out against the Turkish invaders, and independence was declared at the same time (later designated as Independence Day, or National Day). The Kingdom of Greece was established in 1832. It was changed to a republic in 1924. In 1935, King George II was restored. Joined the Allied powers during World War I. During World War II, it was occupied by German and Italian forces. In October 1944, the country was liberated, and George II returned to China to resume his throne. In 1947, George II died and his brother Paul I acceded to the throne. In April 1967, a military coup established a dictatorship until July 1974. In December 1974, the country was established as a republic. Since then, the New Democracy and the Panhellenic Socialist Movement have taken turns in power. Diplomatic relations with China were established on June 5, 1972. Greek flag Venus Acropolis Statue of Alexander the Great in Thessaloniki Statue of Olympian Acropolis Greece Existing ancient Greek ruins Amogos Island Olympia Ancient City Andros Island Athens Mount Lycabetos Athenian Soldier Sannio Ruins and Full Moon Athenian Institutions University of Athens Olympic Stadium in Athens Zappeio Hall Temple of Zeus Sunion Point Crete Coffee house in Cyclades Island Sunion Point Tyrol Crete Epidaurus Theater in Evea Island Hanged to dry Large octopus Greek dancers Flags fluttering in front of the Greek Parliament Construction site Dry Greek and Chinese flags Seaport in St. Stephanie Greek features - Anise Hero Atticus Theater Rizo Island Meteora Monastery Milos Island Mykonos Island City of Kastoria Anise A table of food with fish Olympus Parthenon City of Petre People revelers streets of Rhodes Island Linton City of Rhodes Island Linton City of Rhodes Island Paxoi Island Rhodes Island Power Bridge Santorini A couple on Santorini Santorini Simi Island Voidokoilia Beach Aegean Sea at night on Zakynthos Island Setting sun silhouette Greek beauty The beautiful evening in Oia The Aegean Sea is a large bay in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Turkey. Aegean Sea Architecture by the Aegean Sea