Malta-China relations

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyse the diplomatic relations between Malta and China since Malta's recognition of the People's Republic of China in 1972, until the latest agreements made in 2014. This dissertation came about due to the author's fascination on realising that two countries who have nothing in common have excellent bilateral relations, so much so, that there are still ongoing talks and agreements between Malta and China. This dissertation will also be giving an account of how much aid China has given to Malta during the 40 year history of diplomatic relations. As a result, the research will also analyse the consequences for Malta for dealing with China during the peak of the Cold War period. Nonetheless, the author will spell out the benefits of both the contemporary and historical agreements. Despite the fact that it is well known that Malta has had good relations with China, there hasn't been much literature on the subject, and no research had been done prior to this dissertation. Hence, to find information and sources with regards to the relations between Malta and China, the author reviewed agreements records, government documents, published accounts of diplomats and legislators, journals, newspaper articles and published books amongst others. Given the ongoing political debate about the relations of Malta and China, the author will try and give an impartial interpretation of Sino-Maltese relations backed by reliable sources. The study will follow a chronological order and will evaluate the different types of cooperation ranging in various fields. This study will also prove the cordial relations between Malta and China despite the difficulties which the Maltese Government encountered in dealing with China once Malta became close to the West. Despite the change of Government in the late 80's, Malta's foreign policy would evolve for it to become close with Europe. While Chinese high officials would regularly visit Malta, the Maltese Government would face criticism for holding talks with a Chinese Government having a bad human rights record. Nevertheless, relations between the two countries were never affected in any way. In fact, in the 70's and 80's, China remained committed to further modernize the island so that both countries would improve trade with each other. A major event which had to be kept in mind while evaluating Sino - Maltese relations was Malta's accession to the EU. Official documents claimed that China had agreed to Malta joining the EU, for both political and financial reasons. Given the good bilateral relations China has with some other member states, China managed to make use of the European market. As a result of the role played by Malta in safeguarding Chinese interests, frequent assistance in various fields continued to be prolific, even though Chinese financial aid would not be the main source of funds for the Maltese Government. The dissertation will finally look into the latest agreements which have been made in several areas. Despite the fact that various understandings between the two governments are just prolongations of the previous ones, the Maltese Government has evidently showed its intent in opening up to China. The study will mostly analyse recent agreements, but the author will not speculate on what the future implications about the recent agreements are.