Amidst escalating diplomatic tensions with India, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China has taken center stage, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to bolstering ties with its “closest ally” while seeking increased Chinese tourist inflow to the Maldives.
During his five-day state visit to China, Muizzu addressed the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, extolling China as a vital ally and lauding the transformative impact of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the Maldives. He urged China to enhance tourist flows, especially aiming to regain China’s position as the Maldives’ primary tourism market, currently affected by a diplomatic row involving derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The strained relations followed disparaging social media posts targeting Prime Minister Modi after his video showcasing Lakshadweep’s pristine beaches during his visit. In response, Muizzu’s government suspended three deputy ministers and faced strong condemnation from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI).
Seeking to mitigate the impact of the recent turmoil, Muizzu’s plea for increased Chinese tourists coincided with reports of a USD 50 million project signed between the two nations to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
India has historically been the largest tourist market for the Maldives, with a substantial influx of visitors. However, recent data shows a decline in Indian tourist reservations due to the diplomatic discord. Despite this, India remained the leading source of tourists in 2023, followed closely by Russia and China.
Recognizing the economic significance of Chinese tourism, Muizzu’s visit also aimed to reinforce economic ties and expedite the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed in 2014. The FTA seeks to bolster bilateral trade, particularly by augmenting fish product exports from the Maldives to China, fostering economic security and diversification.
Moreover, Muizzu’s administration seeks Chinese investments for a series of ambitious projects, including relocating the Male Commercial Port, developing the Velana International Airport, constructing additional airports, and expanding Special Economic Zones (SEZs), all aimed at fortifying the nation’s economic foundation.
The president’s engagements in China are anticipated to involve high-level meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, focusing on fostering collaboration and conveying the Maldives’ priorities for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
As Muizzu continues his diplomatic efforts in China, his administration’s emphasis remains on augmenting the nation’s economic landscape, securing investments, and reinvigorating tourism, underscoring the significance of China as a pivotal partner in the Maldives’ developmental journey.
Sources By Agencies
