China vessel allowed on national interest, not at any country: Maldives pres
He said the Maldives would not permit any country to exploit its maritime location in a manner that threatens peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
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President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives' decision to allow the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yanghong to enter Maldivian territory last year was based on national interest and was not intended to confront any particular country.
The President made the remarks in an interview with Ceylon Today, responding to questions regarding the government’s authorisation of the vessel’s entry after neighbouring Sri Lanka reportedly denied permission for the same vessel.
In the interview, questions were raised about the Maldives’ intentions in allowing the vessel to dock, particularly in the context of regional sensitivities. President Muizzu said that decisions regarding foreign vessels are made carefully, based on national interest and in line with international norms and established protocols.
He said the decision was not made to send a message, cause confusion, or to act against the interests of any other country in the region. “It was not done to create any division,” he said.
The President emphasised that the Maldives is an open and independent state, and like other sovereign nations, it would continue to act in accordance with its national interest. He stated that the Maldives aims to maintain an even-handed foreign policy despite differences with neighbouring countries.
“Our goal is to promote free and open navigation in a balanced and respectful manner,” he said. “There is no hidden agenda. We have not and will not allow a foreign vessel to conduct any research in our waters.”
President Muizzu also noted that other countries have historically permitted warships and research vessels to enter Maldivian waters, including those from the United States and India.
He said the Maldives would not permit any country to exploit its maritime location in a manner that threatens peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
The President added that the Maldives values good relations with all nations and intends to preserve that image. He acknowledged that India, a neighbouring country with which the Maldives has traditionally had close ties and from which it receives substantial assistance, had expressed concerns about the matter.
