Recently, Chinese spokesperson Hua Chunying announced that China has extended an invitation to Moiz of the Maldives for a state visit. The visit is expected to last four days, from January 8 to 12, showing how much China attaches importance to the Maldives. The state visit is the highest level of foreign exchange, so it is foreseeable that the Chinese side will give the Maldives a high-level reception and treatment.
Muiz will become the first Maldives in history to visit China and then India**, a symbolic move. It is customary for the Maldives** to make India its primary destination when it takes office, as a gesture of goodwill and demonstration to India. However, Muiz chose Turkey as his first stop and China as his second stop, which undoubtedly poses a challenge to India's traditional influence. The move can be said to be Mouiz's desire to reduce India's influence in the Maldives, and at the same time send a signal that the "special relationship" between the two countries is coming to an end.
The Maldives is an archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean with a small area and a population of just 520,000 people. The Maldives has long adhered to the principle of "India First" and sees India as a security umbrella. India has been the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives since its independence in 1965, and the two countries have signed agreements on the construction of military bases, allowing India to maintain a military presence in the Maldives. However, in recent years, the political situation in the Maldives has changed, and the new power** has gradually weakened its dependence on India and has paid more attention to cooperation with China.
Reducing its dependence on India and increasing cooperation with China has become a strategic choice for the Maldives. Even during his tenure as mayor of Malé, Muiz repeatedly emphasized cooperation with China to boost infrastructure in the Maldives and repeatedly compared the Indian-funded Tilla Male Bridge with the China-Malaysia Friendship Bridge, criticizing India's inefficiency. All this shows that the new Maldives is moving away from India and attaching importance to developing relations with China.
India has always regarded the South Asian region as its "backyard", controlling its neighbors through various means, including garrisoning troops. As an island nation, the Maldives has naturally become a focus for India. India has established a military base in the Maldives and has stationed 75 military personnel there, manned by two Polaris** and a German maritime patrol aircraft. In addition, India has strengthened its military presence in the Maldives by building a naval dock and radar stations.
However, changes in the political situation in the Maldives have led to an increase in Maldives' antipathy towards the Indian garrison. Especially after Muiz came to power, he demanded that India withdraw its military personnel and expressed concern about India's presence. The Maldives** issued a circular calling for India to withdraw its troops, and Muiz reiterated this position during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Eventually, the parties reached an agreement on the withdrawal of military personnel.
Muiz has shown a tougher and decisive stance on this issue, demanding that India withdraw its troops more firmly than his predecessor. It can be said that Muiz will not visit India as long as India does not withdraw its troops. At the same time, Muiz has a friendly attitude towards China, and during his tenure as mayor of Malé, the capital of the Maldives, he repeatedly emphasized cooperation with China and criticized India's infrastructure construction efficiency. This makes China a popular partner for Moiz.
At present, many South Asian countries are trying to break free from India's control and pursue a more independent foreign policy. The Maldives is one of them, by cooperating with China to reduce its dependence on India, thereby balancing India's influence in South Asia. China should seize this opportunity and actively cooperate with the Maldives to provide help and support.
As a powerful country, China has every reason and conditions to help the Maldives achieve economic and social development. China can provide support for infrastructure development in the Maldives, including cooperation in roads, bridges, ports, etc. At the same time, China can also help the Maldives develop tourism and fisheries and diversify its economy.
By strengthening cooperation with the Maldives, China will be able to meet the development needs of the Maldives while countering India's influence in South Asia and balancing regional power. The Maldives is an important hub in the ocean between China and India, which is of great significance to China's maritime strategy. By working with the Maldives, China can strengthen its presence in the region and assert its maritime rights.
In short, the visit of Maldivian Moiz to China means that China-Maldives relations have entered a new stage. China should seize this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Maldives and provide support and assistance. At the same time, China should also take this opportunity to balance India's influence in South Asia and secure its strategic position in the Indian Ocean region.