This week, the Maltese government will be signing a medium-term cooperation agreement with China in Beijing.

The Maltese delegation will be accompanied by some Maltese journalists to cover the event.

The interest of the Labour government in renewing past cooperation with China seems rather strange and obscure.

Indeed, the fact that the government refused to publish the recent purchase agreement of part of Enemalta clearly shows that it is not willing to inform the public on its real intentions regarding China.

The recent introduction of the passport scheme also suggests that this could be targeting mainly wealthy Chinese citizens who seek to establish themselves in the EU.

China is renowned for having serious issues with human rights, freedom of information and corruption.

Just a few days ago, the former deputy chairman of the Party’s Central Military Commission was accused of taking money and properties in exchange for promotions and favours.

Back in December 2013, the European Council had backed the European Commission’s proposals to impose definitive anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on the importation of solar panels from China. The duties have been fixed at an average of 47.7 per cent and are applicable for two years.

Hence, the final anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duty rates will apply only to those exports from China that do not meet the conditions set out.