President Seeks Wider China Cooperation to Support Maldives’ 2040 Development Goal
- President Muizzu called for expanded China cooperation to support the Maldives' 2040 development goal, spanning infrastructure, housing, education and trade.
- Ambassador Kong outlined progress on projects including the Friendship Hospital, road redevelopment and Island Council offices, all funded through non-debt Chinese aid.
- Chinese tourist arrivals rose 13% to 280,000 by mid-September, with a Investment Cooperation Forum planned for October.
The Maldives wants to expand cooperation with China around its development priorities as it works towards becoming a developed country by 2040, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said at a reception marking China’s National Day.
Speaking at the event on 24 September, the President said the partnership had moved beyond diplomatic engagement into infrastructure, housing, education and trade. He pointed to the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge and the bilateral Free Trade Agreement as examples of its reach, while calling for future cooperation to create opportunities for Maldivians.
President Muizzu said the relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership following his 2024 state visit to China, should continue to support the Maldives’ development plans. He said the government looked forward to expanding cooperation, including through China’s four global initiatives, while aligning it more closely with national priorities.
The President also drew attention to the exposure of small island developing states to conflicts and economic instability elsewhere. Rising commodity and energy prices, he said, could place particular pressure on vulnerable economies with limited resources to absorb external shocks. Food, energy and economic security had become increasingly connected, making international partnerships essential for the Maldives.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua used his remarks at the reception to outline the status of several projects. He said the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital had reached the construction bidding stage and the Malé and Vilimalé Road Redevelopment Project was in design. Construction on both could begin by the end of this year or early next year, according to the Ambassador.
The Ambassador said a project to build Island Council offices was progressing towards approval by the end of the year. He also reported that a coconut tree pest control project had been implemented in Hanimaadhoo. These projects were funded through Chinese aid and would not add to the Maldives’ debt burden, he said.
On tourism, Ambassador Kong said 280,000 Chinese visitors had travelled to the Maldives as of 15 September, an increase of 13%. He also pointed to a China–Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum scheduled for October as an opportunity for businesses in the two countries to explore further commercial ties.
President Muizzu said the next phase of the relationship should respond to changing economic and technological conditions while delivering practical benefits for people in both countries.
