China–Maldives relations
China–Maldives relations refer to foreign relations between China and the Maldives. China has an embassy in Malé and the Maldives has an embassy in Beijing which opened in 2009. Diplomatic relations were established in 1972.[1]
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High level visits
In May 2011, Wu Bangguo, the Chairman of Chinese National People's Congress and Politburo Standing Committee member, visited the Maldives.[2]
In October 2012, Li Changchun, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited the Maldivian President Mohammed Waheed Hassan. Li said "China will continue to provide assistance to its capacity to help promote the Maldivian social and economic growth and support the country's infrastructure and human resource development".[3]
In September 2014, Xi Jinping, President and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, visited Maldivian President Yameen.
Impact on relations with India
Successive Indian Governments have expressed concern about the growing Chinese influence in the Maldives,[4][5] including China's intention to set up military base in Marao.[2]
China and the Maldives have announced the construction of the Joint Ocean Observation Station, which the Government of India and the Maldivian Democratic Party have argued will be used for military applications by China.[6]
References
- "Sino-Maldives relations". www.chinadaily.com.cn.
- "China's stepped up moves in Maldives worries India | India News - Times of India". The Times of India.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-06-09. Retrieved 2014-01-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2014-01-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "China acquires a base in Maldives against India with some help from Pakistan". Pakistan Defence.
- Parashar, Sachin (February 26, 2018). "China's ocean observatory in Maldives sparks fresh security concerns". The Times of India.
A Joint Ocean Observation Station which China is looking to establish in the Maldives could prove to be another security challenge for the Indian government with the Maldivian opposition leaders claiming that the observatory will also have a military application with provision even for a submarine base.