Amidst a diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, China has emphasized its stance on fostering equal partnerships, as the Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu, arrives in Beijing to solidify bilateral agreements.
The editorial from China’s Global Times addresses the ongoing diplomatic rift between India and the Maldives, advocating for a nuanced approach to South Asian affairs. President Muizzu’s visit to China coincides with India’s concerns over derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian ministers regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory.
The Maldives swiftly distanced itself from these disparaging comments, labeling them as personal opinions that don’t represent the government’s stance. However, tensions between India and the archipelago nation have escalated since President Muizzu’s assumption of power. His victory over the India-friendly former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih raised eyebrows in New Delhi, given Muizzu’s perceived inclination towards China.
Global Times’ editorial underlines China’s historical approach, emphasizing equal partnership and respect for Maldives’ sovereignty. It highlights China’s acknowledgment of the significance of Maldives’ ties with India, asserting that Beijing hasn’t urged Male to sideline New Delhi due to Sino-Indian conflicts.
The piece also promotes trilateral cooperation between China, India, and the Maldives, emphasizing that China’s engagement with South Asian countries isn’t a zero-sum game. It urges India to adopt a more open-minded approach towards these collaborations.
In an unconventional move, President Muizzu’s first official overseas visit was to Turkey rather than India, breaking the tradition followed by his predecessors. His current visit to China involves engagements at the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in Fujian province, signaling potential agreements and collaborations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin anticipates significant developments, indicating talks between President Xi and President Muizzu to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
As these diplomatic maneuvers unfold, President Muizzu’s visit to China marks a pivotal moment in recalibrating international alliances in the region, emphasizing the delicate balance of partnerships and the evolving geopolitical dynamics between China, India, and the Maldives.
Sources By Agencies