China ‘firmly opposes’ foreign interference in Maldives’ affairs

China says that it firmly opposes external interference in the domestic affairs of the Maldives.

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is currently on a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a joint press statement on Thursday, Maldives and China said they have agreed to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their respective core interests.

China said it firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respects and supports the Maldives' exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions.

“…and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, the Maldives said it is firmly committed to the one-China policy, “recognizing that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.”

Maldives said it also opposes any statement or action that undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes all Taiwan independence separatist activities, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan.

“The Maldives opposes external interference in China's internal affairs under any pretext and supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification,” reads the statement.

Maldives and China also said that they were satisfied with the outcomes of President Muizzu’s visit to China, and agree that the visit is of great significance to advancing Maldives-China relations.

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi described President Muizzu’s visit as “the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between China and the Maldives.”

 The two countries have signed over 20 agreements during the visit, including a USD 50 million agreement to develop an integrated tourism zone in Hulhumale’, and an agreement on the construction of 30,000 social housing units in Rasmale’.