On November 9, the China Cultural Centre in Malta co-organised the launch of China buses with the Santa Luċija local council in the Chinese Garden of Serenity, celebrating both cultural exchange and environmental sustainability. Three eco-friendly, Chinese-imported electric buses, each decorated with images of iconic Chinese landscapes and heritage sites, were unveiled. These buses, now set to travel across Malta, will serve as mobile symbols of friendship between Malta and China.
While addressing attendees, Malta’s Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, reflected on the broader implications of the Nihao! China initiative. He highlighted that while Malta and China are geographically distant, both countries are united by shared challenges like climate change and sustainable development. The minister noted that these pressing issues transcend borders and require cooperative solutions, a sentiment that the China campaign and the eco-friendly buses embody.
He also noted that the EV buses present were a literal vehicle for cultural exchange, reminding one of the potential of combining tradition with innovation. Bonett acknowledged the significant role of transport in contributing to global warming and underscored that Europe, including Malta, is setting ambitious standards for a green transition. In this context, he recognised China’s leadership in sustainable transport innovation and explained how the use of these electric buses aligns with M.