Maldives Tourism Row: Amid the Democratic Dispute With India, Maldives Signs 20 Cooperative Agreements With China

Amid the ongoing Maldives controversy, Chinese President XI Jinping and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu organised a talk on Wednesday, which included a sign of 20 key agreements. Besides, the notable pact included agreements on tourism corporations, marking the enhancement of their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

While Muizzu’s visit to China marked his first state visit; it also made him the first foreign head of state in China welcomed this year. This also indicates the significance of both nations assigned to their bilateral ties.

During the visit, China’s President XI Jinping emphasised the importance of protecting national sovereignty. He extended his support to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Besides, the 20 agreements highlighted sectors including tourism, disaster risk management, blue economy, and digital economy investment.

Along with the agreement, sources claimed that China has extended its support to the Maldives; however, the exact amount is yet to be determined. Moreover, the detailed agreement included a joint acceleration of the Belt and the re-development of Male and Villimale’s Roads Development Projects.

On the contrary, soon after their arrival, Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzu and his wife Sajida Mohammad received a ceremonial red carpet welcome at the Great Hall of the People. Following their welcome, a state banquet was held in their honour by President XI Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan.

Nevertheless, President Mohamed Muizzu’s China visit can be a tactic to overshadow the diplomatic dispute with India. Meanwhile, the dispute was a result of derogatory comments made by his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, a report claimed that the ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC) exploited anti-India statements and spread less information during the 2023 presidential elections which Muizzu won.

Meanwhile, following the controversy, an unverified report claimed that more than 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight bookings have been cancelled after a Maldivian minister allegedly abused Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, owing to the sparkling hatred for the Maldives while an urge to Boycott Maldives, the Maldives government suspended three deputy ministers, Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Hassan Zihan.