October 1st this year marks the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is a time to celebrate and look forward. The birth of the People’s Republic ushered in a new era, where new glories and dreams began for the Chinese people. Hard work of several generations paid off. Now incredible changes have taken place in China and her relations with the outside world.

China has created one of the most remarkable success stories of economic growth in all human history. Now the world’s second largest economy, China has become a major engine driving global economic growth and played an important role in responding to the international financial crisis. Hundreds of millions of people in China were lifted out of poverty and started a decent and well-off living. Huge progress has also been registered across political, cultural and social fields as the Chinese people are enjoying more freedoms and rights than ever before. Democracy and the rule of law keep being strengthened. Fairness and justice are the shared pursuit of the government and people. China’s international standing has also been greatly improved. She is now a highly influential member of the international community, actively participating in hotspot regional and global issues and playing an indispensable role in maintaining world peace and stability.

Late last year, the Communist Party of China convened the 18th national congress, chartering out a new roadmap for China as she was reaching a crucial stage of development. The congress laid down a detailed framework and a lofty vision for China’s advances in every aspect. The congress also ushered in a new generation of collective leadership which formally assumed office last March. The new Chinese leaders have called on the people to work for the great Chinese Dream, which in essence means national prosperity and individual happiness. To make this happen, China will continue unswervingly along the path of reform and opening-up. China will deepen reform across economic, political, cultural and social fields to further unleash the great potential and dynamic of the Chinese society. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development which benefits as many people as possible. In foreign relations, China will remain committed to a path of peaceful development. She will open even wider to the outside world and expand win-win cooperation with all other countries on an equal footing. China strives to achieve development in peace, by peace and for peace.

The slowing down of China’s economy recently has drawn a lot of attention worldwide. Since March 2012, China’s economy has been growing at a rate between 7 and 8% for five consecutive quarters. The figure for the first half of this year stands at 7.6%. This has led some people to worry that China’s economy may have met some serious problems. I would like to share some of my thoughts. First of all, it is only natural that China’s economy is slowing down since it has been roaring ahead at a breakneck speed for more than three decades. As the economic size keeps growing bigger, any increase on such a huge base volume would not come easy. Besides, 7.6% of growth is still one of the highest among major economies. Secondly, China’s growth has been affected by the stagnancy in external markets and the slow recovery of the world economy. Thirdly and most importantly, it has been the result of internal structural reform initiated by the Chinese government. China is now determined to upgrade its economy by readjusting and optimizing the economic structure. In other words, China intends its economy to grow at a lower pace but with a higher quality and efficiency. To this end China is implementing a host of measures to reduce its dependence on investment and export, and focus more on domestic consumption and innovation as the new driving forces of economic growth. This is central to the current economic reform China is undertaking.  

I have every faith in a successful transformation of my country’s growth. As the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang guaranteed the world at the Summer Davos Forum two weeks ago, a new season of China’s economic miracle is just unveiled with even more exciting stories to come. China has confidence, resources and capability to make its economy more sustainable, healthy and resilient, which will in turn make even greater contribution to the global economy. As China endeavours to upgrade its economy, tremendous potential will be released and translated into real opportunities for growth, not only for China, but also for the rest of the world. In the next five years, China is expected to import 10 trillion US dollars of goods, invest 500 billion US dollars overseas and send over 400 million tourists abroad. A more open and prosperous China will continue to create unlimited opportunities for win-win cooperation for the whole world including the EU and Malta.

Last year also witnessed encouraging new progress in China-Malta bilateral relations. Our political relations continued to strengthen. Just two weeks ago, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muscat paid a visit to China to attend the Summer Davos Forum in Dalian, where he had a most constructive meeting with the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Both sides agreed that a stronger bilateral relationship would be in our best and mutual interest.

China-Malta economic cooperation continues to deepen. Interests in mutual trade and investment kept growing. I am aware that recently the local media and people of various circles are interested if not concerned about China’s intentions in signing MOUs concerning some potential projects with the Maltese government. As the Chinese Ambassador, I would like to reiterate that China’s policy of conducting economic cooperation with Malta or any other country is consistent and unchanged. And that is mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China does not have any vested interest or hidden agenda. China will not do anything with Malta that only benefits China let alone harms the interests of Malta. If you are still not convinced and would like to know our intentions, I would like to tell you that China would like to cooperate with Malta because the latter assisted China in evacuating 5000 Chinese engineers and workers in early 2011 during the Libyan crises and donated one hundred tents to people in need when a devastating earthquake struck Sichuan Province some years before. China wants to pay back the kindness and generosity offered by Malta, a small country but with a big heart.

We are also delighted by increasing cultural and educational exchanges between China and Malta over the year. Last May the two countries signed the agreement on mutual recognition of higher education degrees. It means that more Chinese students will be encouraged to study in Malta and vice versa. I would also like to draw your attention to the China Cultural Centre in Malta which is celebrating its 10th birthday this September. Over the last decade the Centre has done a marvelous job in promoting cultural exchanges between China and Malta. Our friendship and mutual understanding have been greatly enhanced thanks to vast cultural events organized by the Centre. This is very important since I have always believed that culture is what brings China and Malta together as two nations thousands of miles apart. The more we understand each other culturally, the better we may achieve in our overall relations. In this regard I am pleased to note that Chinese culture is receiving increasing attention across the islands. The Confucius Institute in the University of Malta is helping a number of local primary schools, upon their request, to introduce Mandarin teaching into their curriculum. The Mediterranean Regional Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, which underwent a major refurbishment last year, has and will continue to provide professional services to the local people in need as a new group of doctors replaced the old two months ago. 

Our military relations have also been enhanced. Last March a Chinese PLA Navy Task Force consisting of two frigates and one supply vessel visited the Grand Harbour following anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden. This was the first time in history that a Chinese naval fleet visited Malta. The PLA Navy and the Armed Forces of Malta conducted a series of fruitful exchanges, and thousands of locals visited the vessels during the open days. At the invitation of the AFM, the PLA is also planning to send an officer to attend the search and rescue course to benefit from Malta’s outstanding maritime expertise.

Last year China and Malta celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. We have jointly achieved so much over the last four decades and our relations have become exemplary of how two countries of different sizes and social systems can develop friendship and cooperation. But we cannot sit on laurels. There is still so much we can do to make our ties even stronger. China sees Malta as a true and valuable friend in the Mediterranean, in the EU as well as in the international community. It is our steadfast policy to advance friendly relations and cooperation with Malta in all fields, since we believe this is in the best interest of both our countries and peoples. As the Chinese Ambassador I have full confidence in an even brighter prospect of China-Malta relations, and I pledge to work for it to the best of my abilities.

Can Jinbiao is Chinese Ambassador to Malta