On September 16, 2023 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Maltese Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg in Valletta.

Wang Yi said China and Malta have always respected and treated each other as equals, setting a good example of friendly cooperation between big and small countries. The two countries enjoy solid political mutual trust and a deep foundation of public support, and bilateral relations have maintained a momentum of sound and steady development. China appreciates Malta's reiteration of its firm commitment to the one-China policy on many occasions. As a friend and partner, China also firmly supports Malta in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. China welcomes Malta's assumption of its post as a non-permanent member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the 2023-2024 term, and stands ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation to jointly uphold the UN-centered international system and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Wang Yi said that China and the European Union (EU) are partners rather than rivals, and their cooperation outweighs differences. The two sides can fully appreciate and learn from each other. China always supports the EU's strategic autonomy and European integration. Since the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership 20 years ago, the scope and depth of bilateral cooperation have been continuously expanded. The two sides should continue to uphold an open attitude, firmly support free trade, and reject protectionism, so that China and the EU can gain far more positive outcomes by working closely together than by working individually. China hopes that Malta will continue to play a positive role in the development of China-EU relations.

Ian Borg said that Malta and China enjoy a strong and enduring relationship. Malta cherishes its friendship with China and always abides by the one-China principle. This position is firm and clear. Malta looks forward to attending the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China to seize the Chinese market and development opportunities and further expand cooperation between Malta and China. Malta agrees that the EU and China are partners rather than rivals, and is ready to jointly promote EU-China cooperation and join hands to address global challenges.