China and Maldives Strengthen Ties Amid Diplomatic Row with India; Affirm ‘One-China’ Principle, Exclude Taiwan

China expressed firm opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives, declaring its support for the island nation's sovereignty and independence, while reinforcing its stance on the one-China principle.

The statement was made following Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's maiden visit to Beijing, during which he held talks with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping.

A joint statement issued at the conclusion of Muizzu's visit highlighted the mutual commitment of China and the Maldives to safeguarding their core interests. The statement emphasized China's support for the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence, and dignity, while condemning any external interference in the Maldives' internal affairs.

This declaration comes at a time when the Maldives is embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with India over derogatory statements made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Maldives, in turn, affirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entire country. The joint statement conveyed the Maldives' opposition to any statement or action undermining China's sovereignty, particularly rejecting any support for "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. Furthermore, the Maldives pledged not to develop official relations with Taiwan and opposed external interference in China's internal affairs.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, China and the Maldives signed 20 agreements during Muizzu's visit. These agreements encompassed various areas, including Belt and Road cooperation, economic and technical collaboration, blue economy initiatives, digital economy development, green development, infrastructure construction, and assistance for people's livelihood.

One of the key points of contention in the diplomatic row with India involved derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi, leading to a series of cancellations of reservations by Indian tourists to the Maldives. President Muizzu suspended the ministers involved, urging restraint in making such statements.

The joint press communiqué released by China and the Maldives highlighted the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Both nations pledged to deepen political mutual trust, expand friendly interactions at all levels, and strengthen collaboration on international and multilateral affairs. The agreements also focused on economic and trade cooperation, with an emphasis on enhancing trade facilitation and promoting high-quality development of economic and trade ties.

President Muizzu's visit to China occurred against the backdrop of a report by the EU Election Observation Mission of Maldives, which accused the ruling coalition of deploying anti-India sentiments and spreading disinformation during the 2023 presidential elections. The report claimed that these tactics contributed to Muizzu's victory in the election.

As the diplomatic landscape in the region undergoes shifts and realignments, the visit underscores the complexity of relationships involving regional powers like China, India, and smaller nations like the Maldives, caught in the midst of geopolitical tensions.