Maldives-China ties built on close friendship despite distance: President

President Mohamed Muizzu has said the geographical distance between the Maldives and China has not been a barrier to relations between the two countries, describing their ties as a longstanding friendship that has developed into a broader partnership.

Muizzu made the remarks on Thursday evening at a reception in Malé marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which is observed on 1 October. 

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Muizzu extended greetings on behalf of the Maldivian government and people to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China.

He noted China’s development in areas including the economy, technology, infrastructure and human development, and congratulated the country on its achievements.

Turning to Maldives-China relations, Muizzu said the geographical distance separating the two countries had not prevented them from developing close ties.

“The Maldives and China may be separated by great distances, but the sea between us has never been a barrier,” he said.

Muizzu said people from the two countries had been connected through Indian Ocean maritime routes for centuries, with goods, ideas, cultures and traditions travelling along those routes.

“Geography may determine where nations stand, but friendship determines how closely they stand together,” he said.

The President said the Maldives places importance on its relationship with China and described mutual respect, sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence and the Maldives’ adherence to the One China Principle as foundations of bilateral relations.

He also referred to his state visit to China in 2024, during which relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Muizzu said China’s involvement in the Maldives extended beyond diplomatic agreements and could be seen in infrastructure, housing, education, technical training and other development initiatives.

“For the people of the Maldives, our friendship with China is not something that exists only in diplomatic statements,” he said, adding that the relationship had produced outcomes affecting everyday life.

Muizzu identified the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which connects Malé with Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, as one of the main symbols of the relationship between the two countries.

He said the strength of bilateral relations should be measured not only by agreements signed between governments, but also by the results produced by those agreements.

“The friendship with China can quite literally be seen,” Muizzu said, referring to the bridge, housing developments and other projects.

The President said a bridge represented more than a structure made from concrete and steel, describing it as a connection between people, communities and countries.

He said the government wanted Maldives-China relations to continue serving as a “bridge to opportunity and prosperity” as the Maldives pursues its goal of becoming a developed country by 2040.

Muizzu also noted China’s involvement in housing projects that have provided homes to Maldivian families, as well as assistance in infrastructure, education and other areas.

He said bilateral economic engagement was also expanding, supported by the Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and China.

The President said the relationship between the two countries had developed from a longstanding friendship into a broader partnership focused on the future.

He said people-to-people relations would remain an important part of those ties, including through students studying abroad, entrepreneurs creating business opportunities and exchanges between communities.

Muizzu also addressed current international challenges, including conflicts, economic uncertainty and pressures on global commodity and energy markets. He said small island developing states such as the Maldives were particularly exposed to external shocks.

He called for dialogue and cooperation between countries and said international partnerships were important as the Maldives dealt with climate change, technological change, economic uncertainty, and food and energy security.

The Maldives intends to expand cooperation with China, including through China’s four global initiatives, while aligning bilateral cooperation with the Maldives’ development priorities, Muizzu said. 

Concluding his remarks, the President expressed hope that relations between the Maldives and China would continue to deepen and provide opportunities for people in both countries.

“May the friendship between the Maldives and China continue to deepen. May our cooperation continue to bring greater opportunities and prosperity to our peoples,” he said.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Cabinet ministers, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua and other Maldivian and Chinese officials attended the reception.