Maldives, China commit to greater strategic cooperation, sign 20 MoUs

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Last Updated13/01/2024

Recently, China and Maldives announced an elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
A joint press communique mentioned increased strategic cooperation, expanded practical collaboration and joint efforts towards a shared future.

Both nations commit to strengthening collaboration on international and multilateral affairs.
- The move follows Maldives's participation in the Global Security Initiative (GSI).
They agreed to draw up an “action plan” for building a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership from 2024 to 2028.
Both governments sign 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering several areas.
- These include the blue economy, digital economy, infrastructure development linked to BRI, disaster and risk mitigation, and news cooperation.

Notable decisions came after Maldives skipped the India-led Colombo Security Conclave’s NSA-level meet in December.
This suggests a departure from the earlier policy of the Solih government, which emphasised close defence and security collaboration with India and the United States.

Maldives President's visit coincides with a diplomatic row between Maldives and India, sparked by controversial remarks against the Indian Prime Minister.
The tensions lead to online campaigns calling for a boycott of Maldives, impacting the country's crucial tourism sector.

Maldives President encouraged Chinese tourists to reclaim the top spot in arrivals, previously held by Indian tourists for the last two years.
In meetings, the Maldivian President highlighted support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expressed enthusiasm for expanding cooperation.
China pledged respect and support for the Maldives's development path, firmly opposing external interference in its internal affairs.