After spending more than 30 years of his diplomatic career in South Asia, this is the Chinese Ambassador's first assignment in Europe.

Happiness is written all over Chai Xi's face as he describes Malta as "the most friendly country in Europe to China".

Malta established diplomatic relations with China 36 years ago, through then Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, a step that was very much appreciated by the Chinese leaders and the people of China, the ambassador to Malta said.

Mr Chai, who has been here for nine months, added: "Wherever I go I feel the friendly sentiment of the Maltese towards the Chinese. The Maltese are extremely cooperative and supportive, something which makes my job here that much easier."

In 1976 Mr Chai went to Bangladesh as a student to learn Bengali, and it was because of that specialisation that he was assigned posts in South Asia. In fact, his last posting was as Ambassador to Bangladesh.

"There are a number of instances where one starts in one country as a student to be promoted to ambassador to that country. This is quite a common practice in China but is rare in other countries. The idea is to become an expert in one region, in one country.

"Traditionally, Malta and China have had high-level exchanges which have really helped." Last May, for example, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo attended the Sino-Malta trade and economic commission meeting in China.

For many of the 36 businessmen in Dr Frendo's delegation, it was the first time in China. "They were shocked to see how the country was booming economically. They have been encouraged to do business and are planning to set up offices in Beijing and Shanghai."

Asked about the halo effect the Beijing Olympics is expected to have on China, the ambassador's face lights up again.

"There was an explosion of happiness back home when it was declared that China will host the Olympics. Beijing is striving to make the games the greenest and the best and most successful in the history of the Olympics.

"There are about 37 stadia, including the Birds Nest stadium, most of which are new, and an Olympic village. A new four-kilometre air terminal has been constructed and is connected by train. Train subways were built with construction starting on five lines at the same time, which is a first in the history of such work."

Turning back to the local scene, the China Cultural Centre and the Valletta local council have invited a cultural group from the municipality of Chongqing to this year's celebration of the Spring Festival in the city.

This follows the successful first edition of the festival in Valletta last year. The festival brings together family members to celebrate the beginning of the New Year.

The cultural activities start today with a breathtaking performance by highly-skilled acrobats and the fascinating artists of the Sichuan opera at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. Tomorrow, Valletta will come alive with a street parade of dancers with the inauguration in Freedom Square at 10.30 a.m.

The public will be able to enjoy this ceremony while seated at no charge.

The dancers and musicians including the lion dancers will then gyrate down Republic Street, turn right to Santa Luċija Street and then right again, through Merchants Street and on to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The festival will come to an end in the evening with a New Year concert at the Manoel.

Coming back to his plans to further the healthy relations between the two countries, Mr Chai said his aim is to strengthen the economic, financial and educational ties.

"I have introduced the Rector of the University of Malta, Juanito Camilleri, to the Confucius Institute which teaches the Chinese language in various foreign universities.

"The University of Xiamen and the University of Malta are planning to establish a twinning relationship and set up a Confucius Institute here.

"The idea is not only to promote the Chinese language but to explore ways of widening cooperation in the scientific and other fields," Mr Chai said.

On his part, China Cultural Centre director Zheng Hao said the Chinese Spring Festival represents the essence of the long-standing Chinese history, civilisation, culture, arts and traditions.

Reflecting the colourful and diversified traditional culture and arts, the culture of the Chinese Spring Festival also embodies the Chinese people's way of thinking, values and the philosophy of "cherishing harmony".

Fine culture has no national boundaries and belongs to mankind. "The goal of the China Cultural Centre in presenting Chinese Spring Festival events is to share with our Maltese friends the cream of traditional Chinese culture and enjoy an auspicious and joyful festive atmosphere.

"It is my strong hope that the festival will bring the Maltese people good luck and happiness," Mr Zheng added.