The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, paid a farewell call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, marking the conclusion of her tenure. The meeting highlighted the enduring partnership between the two countries and explored avenues for further cooperation.
President Muizzu extended warm wishes to Ambassador Wang, expressing appreciation for her contributions to strengthening Maldives-China relations. He commended China’s significant role in supporting key developmental projects, which have spanned diverse sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism.
Ambassador Wang conveyed her gratitude for the support extended by the Maldivian government during her tenure. She lauded the administration’s achievements and expressed optimism about the continued growth of bilateral ties, emphasising that the partnership is rooted in mutual respect and shared objectives.
Maldives-China Relations: A Robust Partnership
Maldives-China relations have deepened over the past decade, particularly through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Maldives became an early participant in the BRI, which has facilitated several transformative infrastructure projects. These include the Sinamalé Bridge, connecting the capital Malé with Hulhumalé and Hulhulé, and upgrades to Velana International Airport.
China has also been instrumental in providing financial assistance to the Maldives, often through concessional loans. While these initiatives have bolstered development, they have also sparked debates over the Maldives’ growing external debt. The Maldivian government has consistently emphasised the benefits of these projects, particularly their role in boosting economic growth and connectivity.
Beyond infrastructure, China remains a key player in the Maldivian tourism sector. As of this year, Chinese tourists have reclaimed the top spot among visitor nationalities, with 252,000 arrivals recorded so far. This resurgence highlights the enduring cultural and economic ties between the two nations and underscores the success of efforts to revitalise this segment following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Future Collaboration
During the farewell meeting, President Muizzu and Ambassador Wang discussed the progress of ongoing Chinese-funded projects and explored new areas for collaboration. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and addressing challenges through cooperative efforts.
As Ambassador Wang’s tenure concludes, both nations reaffirm their dedication to further strengthening this vital partnership. The Maldives continues to view China as a critical ally in its development journey, with a relationship poised to expand across new sectors in the years to come.
