China Seeks Deepened Cooperation with Malta in Shipping and Logistics

The Commerce Ministry of China CNannounced on January 22, 2026, during an economic and trade cooperation meeting in Beijing, its intent to deepen cooperation with Malta MTin shipping and port logistics. This initiative aims to leverage the status of Maltaas an EU member state and its strategic position in the Central Mediterranean to strengthen strategic alignment. The meeting served as a primary trigger for reinforcing bilateral economic ties and exploring further logistical integration within the region.

Maltais one of the 27 EU member states and has maintained bilateral ties with Chinasince they were established in 1972. The nation has long been a key partner in the Mediterranean, serving as a hub for regional trade. In a notable display of this partnership, Maltawas one of the five EU nations that voted against imposing tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles in 2024. The government of Maltaremains keen to help a major investor country like Chinapromote relations with the EU and access the regional single market.