President Mohamed Muizzu of the Republic of Maldives, an island nation in South Asia, became the first foreign head of state to visit China in 2024, paying a state visit from January 8-12. His visit, 10 years after President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Maldives in 2014, was also President Muizzu’s first overseas state visit since assuming office in November 2023.
Meeting President Xi on January 10, the two heads of state announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Xi said that the people of the two countries established friendly ties through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, undertook productive cooperation in the construction of the Belt and Road and other areas in recent years, and set a good example of equality, mutual assistance, and mutual benefit between countries big and small over the past 52 years of diplomatic ties.
“Under the new circumstances, China-Maldives relations face a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and forge ahead,” Xi said, noting that the elevation of ties is necessary alongside the growth of bilateral relations and meets the expectations of the two peoples.
Xi spoke about the hard work and valuable experience of the Communist Party of China over the last century. He stressed that China respects and supports the Maldives in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and firmly supports the Maldives in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity.
He called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation in such areas as the economy, trade and investment, agricultural parks, and the blue, green and digital economies. He also called for expanded cooperation on marine ecological and environmental protection, as well as strengthened people-to-people exchanges. He said China will support more Maldivian students to study in China and promote more direct flights between the two countries.
Xi noted that the two sides should strengthen multilateral communication and coordination to safeguard genuine multilateralism and the common interests of developing countries and build a community with a shared future for humanity to make the world more peaceful, secure and prosperous.
He said that China is willing to work with the Maldives to implement the consensus reached at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, and to promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Muizzu said he was honoured to pay his first state visit to China with a number of important cabinet ministers and to become the first foreign head of state that China has hosted this year, fully demonstrating the great importance both sides attach to the development of bilateral relations.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s historic state visit to the Maldives, Muizzu said that China has provided a significant amount of valuable assistance to his country’s economic and social development. He added that the Maldivian people have benefited greatly from the Belt and Road Initiative, citing the Maldives-China Friendship Bridge a symbol of the bond between the two peoples. He said the Maldives looks forward to taking the elevation of ties as an opportunity to expand new channels of cooperation and promote high-quality partnership in the construction of the Belt and Road, and that it welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit the country.
After their talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of an action plan to establish the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, as well as cooperation documents on the construction of the Belt and Road, disaster management, the economy and technology, infrastructure, people’s livelihoods, green development, and the blue and digital economies.
Meeting with Premier Li Qiang the next day, Muizzu noted that the visit to China is his first state visit since taking office, adding that the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy, stands firmly with China, and firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by China.
He also met with Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee the same day.
According to the joint communiqué released by the two heads of state after their meeting, the two sides share the view that China and the Maldives are sincere friends of mutual trust and assistance, and partners for common development and prosperity. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 52 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, setting a fine example of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes.
They also share the view that as changes of the world, our times and history unfold, the strategic significance of China-Maldives relations has become more pronounced. The two sides agree to elevate China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, better leverage the political guidance of high-level engagement, expand practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields, strengthen collaboration on international and multilateral affairs, enhance the well-being of the two peoples, and work toward a China-Maldives community with a shared future.
China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives’ exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives.
China also expresses its readiness to continue providing support for the Maldives to the best of its capability in areas that the Maldives deems as priorities, including infrastructure construction, medical service and health, improvement of people’s livelihood, new energy, agriculture, and protection of the marine environment. And the two sides intend to continue exchanges and cooperation in such areas as science and technology, culture, tourism, education, sports, civil aviation, personnel training, health, affairs related to women, youth, and people with disabilities, press and publication, radio, film and television, people-to-people ties, and subnational cooperation.
The two sides further agree to deepen cooperation in the field of ecology and environment, advocate green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable development, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, work together for building the green Belt and Road, and strengthen communication and cooperation on climate change and other issues.
Following President Muizzu’s return home, he announced that all Indian troops must quit his country by March 15. There are currently some 80 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.
The Indian newspaper The Hindu reported that: “Veteran Indian diplomat Rakesh Sood said that Mr. Muizzu was ‘playing to his base and presumably, his ‘benefactor’.’ He added: ‘He is being deliberately provocative but there is little to be gained by India engaging in tit-for-tat rhetoric. Far better to let him realise the relevance of India to Maldives, in socio-economic terms.’”
However, the paper further noted: “The Maldivian president has been consistent in his demand for Indian troops’ withdrawal, his chief poll pledge last year. The demand also figured in his inaugural address soon after he assumed office in November 2023. In December, days after his meeting with [Indian Prime Minister] Mr. Modi in Dubai [at the COP 28 climate summit], Mr. Muizzu announced that India had ‘agreed’ to withdraw its troops, although New Delhi has made no statement to that effect so far.”
Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post wrote that, “After his state visit to China, Muizzu said… that his country’s small size does not give anyone the licence to bully it… ‘We are a free and independent nation. So this territorial integrity is something China respects firmly.'”
This announcement also comes after a series of disagreements between India and the new administration in the Maldives, with India standing accused of attempting to undermine the Maldives’ tourism industry. Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives, accounting for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the country’s foreign exchange receipts.
Reporting just as President Muizzu began his state visit, China’s Global Times, prefigured this issue, noting that, “ President Muizzu’s decision to visit China before India has raised concerns among some Indian media outlets, with many speculating that the Maldivian leader is pursuing an ‘India-out’ policy and leaning toward China.
“Chinese analysts said that interpreting Muizzu’s China visit as being pro-China reflects the lack of confidence among certain Indian politicians. They believe that India’s long-standing hegemonic mentality in South Asia is the root cause of strained relations with some regional countries, including the Maldives and that India should not shift the blame onto China by hyping the narrative of competition with China in the region as an excuse.”
Long Xingchun, a professor at the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, noted that China respects the Maldives’ sovereignty and does not interfere in its domestic affairs. Unlike India, China does not exclude other countries’ cooperation with the Maldives. On the contrary, China encourages and welcomes more countries, including India, to engage in collaboration with the Maldives.
Global Times also reported that Chinese analysts said that India’s strained relations with certain countries in South Asia can be attributed to its perception of being the regional boss. Instead of shifting blame to China, India should take a moment to reflect on its policies toward its neighbours and abandon the zero-sum mentality.
Lin Minwang, deputy director at the Centre for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, told Global Times that the Indian media has attempted to exert pressure on Muizzu by hyping the so-called “pro-China” policy. This highlights India’s view of itself as a hegemon in the region, expecting leaders of other countries to seek its approval.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Global Times.
China, Maldives upgrade ties as presidents hold talks
BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing on Wednesday.
The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Xi said that the people of the two countries established friendly ties through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, undertook productive cooperation in the construction of the Belt and Road and other areas in recent years, and set a good example of equality, mutual assistance and mutual benefit between countries big and small over the past 52 years of diplomatic ties.
“Under the new circumstances, China-Maldives relations face a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and forge ahead,” Xi said, noting that the elevation of ties is necessary alongside the growth of bilateral relations and meets the expectations of the two peoples.
Xi spoke about the hard work and valuable experience of the Communist Party of China over the last century. He stressed that China respects and supports the Maldives in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and supports the Maldives firmly in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity.
China stands ready to exchange governance experience with the Maldives, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and set a new benchmark for the China-Maldives friendship, Xi said.
He called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation in such areas as the economy, trade and investment, agricultural parks, and the blue, green and digital economies. He also called for expanded cooperation on marine ecological and environmental protection, as well as strengthened people-to-people exchanges. He said China will support more Maldivian students to study in China and promote more direct flights between the two countries.
Xi noted that the two sides should strengthen multilateral communication and coordination to safeguard genuine multilateralism and the common interests of developing countries, and build a community with a shared future for humanity to make the world more peaceful, secure and prosperous.
He said that China is willing to work with the Maldives to implement the consensus reached at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, and to promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Muizzu said he was honored to pay his first state visit to China with a number of important cabinet ministers and become the first foreign head of state that China has hosted this year, fully demonstrating the great importance both sides attach to the development of bilateral relations.
Muizzu said the Maldives pursues the one-China policy firmly. Firm mutual support in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is a solid foundation for the sustained and sound development of Maldives-China relations.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s historic state visit to the Maldives, Muizzu said that China has provided a significant amount of valuable assistance to his country’s economic and social development. He said the Maldivian people have benefited greatly from the Belt and Road Initiative, citing the Maldives-China Friendship Bridge as a symbol of the bond between the two peoples.
During his visit to Fujian Province, Muizzu said he has witnessed China’s great achievements and experienced the excellent leadership of President Xi. He said the Maldives looks forward to taking the elevation of ties as an opportunity to expand new channels of cooperation and promote high-quality partnership in the construction of the Belt and Road, and that it welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit the country.
The Maldives supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, all of which were put forward by President Xi, and is willing to communicate and cooperate closely with China on international and regional affairs, Muizzu noted.
After their talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signature of an action plan to establish the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, as well as cooperation documents on the construction of the Belt and Road, disaster management, the economy and technology, infrastructure, people’s livelihoods, green development, and the blue and digital economies.
Chinese premier meets with Maldivian president
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday.
Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and the Maldives have always respected and treated each other as equals, and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has become increasingly close, which has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples.
Li noted that the elevation of China-Maldives ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, announced by the two heads of state on Wednesday, opens a new chapter in bilateral relations.
China is willing to work with the Maldives to follow the important strategic guidance of the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, intensify friendly exchanges at all levels, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and constantly enrich the connotation of the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Li said.
China is ready to further synergize its development strategies with the Maldives, take high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide, continue to expand the breadth and depth of practical cooperation, and actively explore cooperation on industrial parks, the digital economy, marine fisheries, green and low-carbon development and other fields, said the premier, adding that the two sides should further strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in education, sports and tourism to cement popular support for China-Maldives friendship.
Muizzu noted that the visit to China is his first state visit since taking office, adding that the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy, stands firmly with China, and firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.
The Maldives appreciates China’s long-term support for its economic and social development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of economy, trade, the digital economy, the blue economy and green development, and to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in areas such as tourism, achieving mutual benefit and common development, Muizzu said.
Full text: Joint Press Communiqué between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Maldives
BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) — The People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Maldives on Thursday issued a joint press communiqué.
The following is the full text of the document.
Joint Press Communiqué between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Maldives
Beijing, January 11, 2024
1. At the invitation of His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, paid a state visit to China from January 8 to 12, 2024. During the visit, President Mohamed Muizzu held talks with President Xi Jinping, and had meetings with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council, and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. In a warm and cordial atmosphere, leaders of the two countries had in-depth exchanges of views on reinforcing China-Maldives traditional friendship and deepening friendly cooperation, and reached extensive consensus.
2. The two sides share the view that China and the Maldives are sincere friends of mutual trust and assistance, and partners for common development and prosperity. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 52 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, setting a fine example of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both sides, China-Maldives relations have withstood the test of time and international changes, and maintained a sound momentum of development.
3. The two sides share the view that as changes of the world, our times and history unfold, the strategic significance of China-Maldives relations has become more prominent. The two sides agree to elevate China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, better leverage the political guidance of high-level engagement, expand practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields, strengthen collaboration on international and multilateral affairs, enhance the well-being of the two peoples, and work toward a China-Maldives community with a shared future.
4. The two sides agree to maintain the momentum of high-level engagement, deepen political mutual trust, expand friendly interactions at all levels between governments, legislative bodies, political parties and social organizations of the two countries, and strengthen exchange of experience on governance.
5. The two sides agree to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their respective core interests. China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives’ exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives. The Maldives is firmly committed to the one-China principle, recognizing that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Maldives opposes any statement or action that undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes all “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan. The Maldives opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs under any pretext and supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification.
6. The two sides agree to focus on pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the efforts to better synergize their development strategies, fully implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and further enhance the level and quality of cooperation, and strengthen practical cooperation in green development, digital economy, blue economy and other fields, to achieve mutual benefit and common development.
7. The two sides will actively promote economic and trade cooperation, fully leverage the mechanism of China-Maldives Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, enhance trade facilitation, and promote high-quality development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The two sides will guide and encourage cooperation between enterprises of the two countries to promote the sound development of bilateral investment cooperation.
8. The Maldives expresses its appreciation for the long-standing, selfless help extended by China for the economic and social development of the Maldives. China expresses its readiness to continue providing support for the Maldives to the best of its capability in areas that the Maldives deems as priorities, including infrastructure construction, medical service and health, improvement of people’s livelihood, new energy, agriculture, and protection of marine environment.
9. The two sides agree to focus on implementing the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in the efforts to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation on improving people’s well-being. The two sides intend to continue exchanges and cooperation in such areas as science and technology, culture, tourism, education, sports, civil aviation, personnel training, health, affairs related to women, youth and people with disabilities, press and publication, radio, film and television, people-to-people ties, and subnational cooperation.
10. The two sides agree to deepen cooperation in the field of ecology and environment, advocate green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable development, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, work together for building the green Belt and Road, and strengthen communication and cooperation on climate change and other issues.
11. The two sides agree to explore ways towards implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) in the efforts to deepen cooperation in law enforcement and jointly meet key challenges including those posed by traditional and non-traditional security challenges, to promote the development of bilateral relations and contribute to peace and stability at regional and global levels.
12. The Maldives highly appreciates the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the BRI, the principle of promoting amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness with neighboring countries, the GDI, the GSI, and the GCI, which are put forth by President Xi Jinping. The Maldives appreciates the value of these initiatives and in this regard, stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to actively participate in and accelerate the implementation of the above visions and initiatives. The Maldives intends to join the Group of Friends of the GDI and work with other parties to promote practical cooperation in areas identified by the GDI, so as to create synergy for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
13. During the visit, the two sides signed the Action Plan Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Maldives for Building a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028) and documents on cooperation in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation, economic and technical cooperation, blue economy, digital economy, green development, infrastructure construction, and assistance for people’s livelihood.
14. The two sides are satisfied with the outcomes of the visit by President Mohamed Muizzu to China, and agree that the visit is of great significance to advancing the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. President Mohamed Muizzu expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality of President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Government and the Chinese people, and invited Chinese leaders to visit the Maldives at mutually convenient times. The two sides agree to maintain communication over this matter via diplomatic channels.
China-Maldives relations expected to reach new heights
Jan. 8 (Global Times) — The bilateral relations between China and the Maldives are expected to reach new heights as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu began his first state visit to China on Monday since taking office. Analysts noted that a number of agreements on infrastructure and tourism are expected to be signed during the Maldivian leader’s visit.
However, President Muizzu’s decision to visit China before India has raised concerns among some Indian media outlets, with many speculating that the Maldivian leader is pursuing an “India-out” policy and leaning toward China.
Chinese analysts said that interpreting Muizzu’s China visit as being pro-China reflects the lack of confidence among certain Indian politicians. They believe that India’s long-standing hegemonic mentality in South Asia is the root cause of strained relations with some regional countries, including the Maldives and that India should not shift the blame onto China by hyping the narrative of competition with China in the region as an excuse.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Muizzu is scheduled to pay a state visit to China from January 8 to 12. On Monday, President Muizzu and the First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian Province, and were greeted by senior Chinese officials upon their arrival. They also visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone, according to the Maldivian President’s Office.
During President Muizzu’s stay in China, President Xi will hold a welcome ceremony and banquet for President Muizzu. The two heads of state will hold talks and attend the signing ceremony of cooperation documents. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, will also meet with President Muizzu, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
President Muizzu is the first foreign head of state to visit China by invitation in 2024 and this is also the Maldivian president’s first state visit to a foreign country since he took office last November, highlighting the great significance that the two countries attach to bilateral relations, analysts said.
During Muizzu’s stay in China, the two sides are expected to sign a slew of cooperation documents on infrastructure construction under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), economy, climate change, green economy and tourism, analysts said.
China and the Maldives are also highly expected to further dig up the potential of bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) as President Muizzu is choosing Fujian Province as his first stop in China, Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times.
Xiamen’s development experience may shed light on cities of the Maldives as it has also quickly become one of the most famous tourist destination countries in the world. President Muizzu may want to draw some experience from Xiamen’s development in attracting tourists as China is also a large tourist source of the Maldives, said Qian.
Moreover, Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province, is a significant gateway to the maritime silk road. According to the Maldivian President’s Office, President Muizzu will also attend the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou, China, and meet with senior Chinese business leaders to explore avenues for strengthening socioeconomic relations between the Maldives and China.
The cooperation on infrastructure construction would also be a highlight in bilateral cooperation. Long Xingchun, a professor at the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, noted that infrastructure is of great significance to the Maldives, an island nation heavily reliant on tourism, and China holds a leading position in this field.
The previous collaboration with China has greatly contributed to the development of Maldives’ infrastructure. For instance, the expansion of upgrading of Velana International Airport in the capital city of Male and the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, the first cross-sea bridge in the Maldives built by a Chinese company, are notable achievements resulting from this partnership, Long told the Global Times.
President Muizzu, who had taken the position as the former minister of Housing and Infrastructure and former mayor of the capital city Male, has witnessed the achievements of BRI projects in the Maldives and had also praised the initiative, analysts said.
For example, in an interview with the Xinhua News Agency in October 2023, Muizzu, who was then president-elect, said, “I think the Belt and Road initiative can play a crucial role in our development and also the development of all the countries in this initiative. And definitely I see this initiative play a very crucial role in taking us forward.”
President Muizzu is actively promoting pragmatic cooperation as he has fully acknowledged the importance of cooperation with China and his diplomacy is out of Maldives’ true interests not to choose sides, analysts said.
Long also noted that China respects the Maldives’ sovereignty and does not interfere in its domestic affairs. Unlike India, China does not exclude other countries’ cooperation with the Maldives. On the contrary, China encourages and welcomes more countries, including India, to engage in collaboration with the Maldives.
India’s lack of confidence
India has paid close attention to President Muizzu’s visit and some Indian media have hyped that President Muizzu’s visit to China broke the “tradition” of every Maldivian president choosing India as their first destination after assuming office since 2008. They also said the visit happened against the backdrop of strained ties between India and the Maldives while China is “vying” for influence with Indian in the region.
Indian media claimed that relations between the Maldives and India have become tense since Muizzu assumed power in November 2023, with some alleging that Muizzu is pursuing an “India Out” policy to distance the Maldives from India’s support.
Adding to the strain, a recent controversy has emerged wherein certain Maldivian ministers reportedly made derogatory remarks on social media in response to Indian Prime Minister Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep archipelago for tourism. President Muizzu suspended the three deputy ministers, according to media reports.
India’s strained relations with certain countries in South Asia can be attributed to its perception of being the regional boss. Instead of shifting blame to China, India should take a moment to reflect on its policies toward its neighbors and abandon the zero-sum mentality, analysts said.
As the president of the Maldives, Muizzu has his own considerations when it comes to the state visit to a foreign country. Muizzu’s foreign diplomacy is shifting from “India first” not to “China first” but to “Maldives first,” Lin Minwang, deputy director at the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Monday.
Muizzu is not choosing sides between China and India, and China does not require him to do so. Instead, he is putting the interests of his own country first, said the expert.
The Indian media has attempted to exert pressure on Muizzu by hyping the so-called “pro-China” policy. This highlights India’s view of itself as a hegemony in the region, expecting leaders of other countries to seek its approval, Lin said.
Long noted that Indian media’s labelling President Muizzu as “pro-China’ highlights that they show no respect to the Maldives and its leader; and it also shows that they lack confidence in India while facing China.
India is a significant country to the Maldives whether it is from the geographic or historical factor, and its current nervousness about President Muizzu’s visit to China unveils its lack of confidence, said Long, noting that as a major country in the region, India should be more magnanimous.
