Maldives President Asserts Sovereignty Amid Diplomatic Tensions; Secures USD 130 Million Assistance from China

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, following a high-profile state visit to China, returned home and addressed diplomatic tensions with a defiant stance, emphasizing that while his country may be small, it doesn’t grant others the license to bully them. The President’s comments come amid a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three of his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Muizzu, regarded as a pro-China leader, refrained from naming any specific country but stressed the importance of sovereignty. During his China visit, he signed 20 agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping, securing USD 130 million in assistance for developmental projects, primarily focused on road redevelopment in the capital city, Male.

The President’s visit was marked by a diplomatic spat with India, EU Election Observation Mission’s critical report on the ruling coalition’s tactics in the 2023 elections, and the elevation of bilateral relations with China to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

China’s Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin, highlighted three key factors for strong relations: mutual political trust, alignment with President Xi’s initiatives, and a commitment to extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits. The visit also saw agreements for tourism and housing projects, grant assistance for a tertiary hospital, and permission for Maldives’ national airline to conduct domestic flights in China.