Maldives : Shifts alliance from India To China

China and the Maldives elevated their diplomatic relations on Wednesday during the inaugural state visit of President Mohamed Muizzu to Beijing a kick start to nominate India as a threat to sovereignty
In a bid to strengthen their ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing the gathering at the Great Hall of the People, referred to Muizzu as “an old friend” and formalized a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” to pave the way for expanded Chinese investments in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
President Xi asserted that China and the Maldives are presented with a historic opportunity to build on their shared history and advance towards a promising future.
Muizzu assumed office in November, propelled by his “India Out” campaign, wherein he highlighted New Delhi’s considerable influence as a perceived threat to national sovereignty. Since taking office, his administration has requested the departure of numerous locally stationed Indian military personnel, concurrently expressing a favorable stance towards increased investments from China, despite the Maldives facing substantial indebtedness to Beijing.
The diplomatic relationship between India and China experienced a significant downturn following a clash between their respective soldiers in the western Himalayas in June 2020. This incident resulted in the tragic loss of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops.
Through the enhancement of diplomatic ties with the Maldives, China appears to be strategically positioning itself for heightened economic engagement in a region where India has witnessed a neighboring country, Sri Lanka, aligning more closely with Chinese interests.
President Xi Jinping of China and President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives participated in a formal welcome ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on January 10, 2024.
In the course of the discussions, President Dr. Muizzu conveyed appreciation for China’s substantial contributions to the economic prosperity of the Maldives and its infrastructure advancement. As stated in an official communication from the presidential office subsequent to the meeting, a total of “20 pivotal agreements” were formalized between the two nations.