Chinese deny ‘hidden agenda’ in Enemalta deal

The Chinese Ambassador to Malta, Cai Jinbiao, has denied any "hidden agenda" or "vested interests" behind the memorandum of understanding signed between China and Malta.

In comments to MaltaToday, the Office of the Ambassador insisted that China would not engage with  Malta for China's benefit alone.

"China will not do anything with Malta that would only benefit China, let alone do something that would harm the interest of Malta," a spokesperson for the Chinese ambassador said.

A deal secured with China, which will see Enemalta selling a minority stake to Shanghai Power Electric, was met with apprehension by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, who said the agreement raised many doubts and questions.

Participating in public events organised by the Nationalist Party, Busuttil frequently asked what China had to gain from the agreement. He also suggested that the Chinese government could have been buying support around the EU negotiating table.

"China does not have any vested interest or hidden agenda," the Office of the Ambassador declared.

Emphasising that the relations between China and Malta have been developing "very well" irrespective of the political party in government, the ambassador's spokesperson said China was ready to strengthen exchanges cooperation with Malta in all areas.

"We reiterate that China's principle of conducting economic cooperation with Malta or any other country is consistent and remains unchanged: which is mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," he said.

The spokesperson added that China wanted to achieve a win-win result, bringing benefits to both countries and their people.

The Chinese Embassy also confirmed that the energy cooperation between Malta and the Chinese state-owned company was initiated in June 2013 when the company's chairman, Wang Yundan, visited Malta and met Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi.

"The two sides discussed possible cooperation in the energy sector on the basis of mutual benefit," the spokesman said.

In a parliamentary question tabled by Mizzi on Monday, in reply to a question raised by Opposition MP George Pullicino, the energy minister said the interest in the MOU started in April 2013. Asked to state who are the persons representing the Maltese government, Mizzi only said that discussions "involved the Ministry for Energy and Enemalta".

The Office of the Ambassador also pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party maintained "excellent relations" with both the Nationalist and Labour parties.

"This forms an important part of our bilateral relations," the Chinese Embassy added, noting that Cai Jinbao had recently met the Opposition Leader.

The said meeting had attracted Labour's attention and accused Busuttil of keeping the meeting "hidden" from the media.

The Chinese Embassy described the meeting with Busuttil as having been "cordial and constructive" during which they reviewed the excellent relationship between the two countries and the two parties over the years.

"Busutill said that PN would continue to support a stronger China-Malta relationship," Jinbao's spokesperson said.