Maldives and China Elevate Bilateral Ties Amid Diplomatic Row with India

President Muizzu seeks Chinese support for tourism and investment following anti-India sentiments and derogatory remarks against Indian PM.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Chinese President Xi Jinping have signed 20 key agreements, including one on tourism cooperation, and announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Muizzu's visit to China is marred by a diplomatic row with India over derogatory remarks by his ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and anti-India sentiments during the 2023 presidential elections.
Muizzu has appealed to China to intensify efforts to send more tourists to the Maldives, following a spate of cancellations by Indian tourists.
The Maldives owes China $1.37 billion, making Beijing its biggest bilateral creditor ahead of Saudi Arabia and India.
Muizzu is seeking investments from Chinese companies for 11 projects at the Maldives Investment Forum.