President Muizzu Reaffirms Commitment to Deeper Maldives-China Ties

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China, describing Beijing as a development partner whose cooperation continues to create opportunities for Maldivians.

In a post on X marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October, President Muizzu extended congratulations to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government and the people of China.

He said the relationship was founded on mutual respect, trust and a shared vision for development and prosperity.

“China has been a steadfast partner in the Maldives’ development journey, and our cooperation continues to deliver meaningful opportunities for our people,” President Muizzu wrote.

The two countries elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership during President Muizzu’s state visit to China in January 2024. The visit included the signing of 20 agreements covering areas including infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, disaster risk reduction and the digital and blue economies, alongside a cooperation action plan for 2024–2028.

Commercial ties have since expanded through the Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 1 January 2025. The agreement provides reduced tariffs and improved market access, including duty-free access to the Chinese market for Maldivian fisheries and seafood exports.

Tourism remains another significant economic link. At a National Day reception in September, Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua said 280,000 Chinese tourists had visited the Maldives by 15 September this year.

China’s development cooperation also includes the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, housing and other infrastructure projects. Speaking at the same reception on 24 September, President Muizzu said the Maldives wanted to align further cooperation with its national development priorities.

Ambassador Kong provided updates on projects still in preparation, saying the China-Maldives Friendship Hospital had reached the construction bidding stage, while the Malé and Vilimalé road redevelopment project was in the design stage. He said construction on both was expected to begin by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

The ambassador also said a China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum was scheduled for October, providing a further opportunity for businesses from the two countries to explore commercial partnerships.