The Chinese dragon roared with confidence last Friday during what was arguably the most spectacular opening ceremony the Olympic Games have ever seen.
Communist officials must have swelled with pride at the spectacle that glorified China's past and celebrated its re-emergence as an international force with a magnificent display of colour and pageantry.
For its part, the Chinese public has embraced the Olympics with a sincere fervour that is rarely seen from host citizens. But is their enthusiasm shared by the Maltese and will some of the island's personalities be glued to their television sets over the coming fortnight?
Labour leader Joseph Muscat was certainly intrigued enough to want to watch the opening ceremony for the first time. Despite usually finding them boring, "reading about 10,000 people rehearsing for three years made me curious," he said, confessing that he prefers the World Cup.
As for his expectations for the Maltese athletes, Dr Muscat was cautiously optimistic. "I believe they will do their best and we could be in for a nice surprise or two," he said. Malta has six athletes competing in four different disciplines in Beijing.
Of course, the International Olympic Committee's decision to award the Games to China was not universally popular and activists from all over the world have targeted the Olympics as an opportunity to protest against various Chinese policies.
Although Dr Muscat agreed with the decision to award the Games to Beijing, he expressed concern about freedom of expression and environmental issues in China and believes that "the Olympics are ideal to raise awareness" about these matters.
Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin general secretary Gejtu Vella also prefers the World Cup, but strongly believes that the Olympics will be well supported in Malta. An avid athletics fan, Mr Vella expects Maltese athletes to take the Olympics seriously but cautioned that the country should not expect any gold medals.
"It will be a cause for celebration if Maltese athletes achieve better times and results than ever before." However, Mr Vella confessed that he will not be watching the Olympics today as he will be making merry at the St Cajetan feast of Ħamrun. Singer Ira Losco regretted that she was unable to watch the opening ceremony because she was rehearsing for a performance in Prague. However, she plans to tune in to as many of the aquatic and athletics events as her busy schedule permits.
"If the Maltese athletes don't get past the first round, they should still cherish the occasion for the rest of their lives. When I go abroad to perform, I always make sure I savour the experience, no matter what."
Maltese international footballer Gilbert Agius is looking forward to watching a lot of the events, particularly football, swimming, athletics and waterpolo. Mr Agius likes to see all the small countries do well and has his fingers crossed for the Maltese contingent.
"I wish them all the luck in the world, and hope that someday we will win a medal. Shooter William Chetcuti may surprise his fellow competitors with his quality," he said.
Whatever the fortunes of the Maltese team, the Beijing Olympics are set to go down as one of the most memorable ever. The quality of the athletes on show, the sheer enthusiasm and dedication of the hosts, the magnificent venues and the ongoing controversy caused by certain Chinese policies will provide talking points long after the Olympic torch is handed over to London.