On Wednesday 6 March 2024, MaltaPost and the Chinese Community Association of Malta presented a new philatelic issue marking the Year of the Dragon 2024. The event was held at the Chinese Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija.

Mr Peng Yijun, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Malta, explained that in traditional Chinese culture, the Dragon, also known as Loong, represents strength, courage, wisdom and is a symbol of luck and prosperity. He emphasised that the launch of this new stamp allows the Maltese public to better understand traditional Chinese culture and also help to strengthen ties between the two nations. 

MaltaPost chairman Joseph Said replied that postage stamps are acknowledged to be a country's silent ambassadors and the issue of this stamp served as confirmation of the friendship and respect that Malta has towards China and its culture . The chairman also augured that MaltaPost continues to issue other such stamps, in accordance with the traditional Chinese calendar,thereby further strengthening the philatelic cooperation between China and Malta.

Charmaine St. John, also addressed the guests saying that as Mayor of Santa Luċija,  she was proud to be part of this positive cultural initiative, more so considering the twinning of Santa Luċija with the Jin Chang District of Suzhyou Municipality in China. She observed that the Chinese Garden of Serenity provided the right setting for the event, being a peaceful space for introspection and meditation.

This new MaltaPost philatelic issue consists of a miniature sheet titled "The Chinese Garden, Santa Luċija, Malta - The Year of the Dragon 2024". It carries a denomination of €3.00 and portrays the Chinese Garden of Serenity, while the zodiac stamp features a  dragon soaring amidst auspicious clouds. The issue is available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo and can also be ordered online at www.maltaphilately.com