China said it never asked Maldives to reject India because of conflicts between Beijing and New Delhi amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives in an editorial published in China’s state-run Global Times.
The editorial was released amid the ongoing diplomatic row and Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu visit to China where he signed several bilateral agreements.
Maldives suspended three ministers over derogatory remarks made by them targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his recently-concluded Lakshadweep visit. The newly-elected government led by President Mohamed Muizzu distanced itself from the comments and said that personal views do not reflect the sentiments of the Maldivian government.
“It also respects the friendly and cooperative relationship between the Maldives and India, fully aware of the importance for Male to maintain good relations with New Delhi. Beijing has never asked Male to reject New Delhi because of the conflicts between China and India, nor does it view cooperation between the Maldives and India as unfriendly or a threat,” the Chinese state media editorial said, adding that China has always treated the Maldives as an equal partner and respected its sovereignty.
India and Maldives bilateral relations are going through a strained phase after Muizzu came to power who said he will strengthen Maldives-China ties when voted to power. His mentor is Abdulla Yameen, the creator of ‘India Out’ campaign and former president who was jailed for corruption, under whom he served as construction minister. Muizzu appeared to back the ‘India Out’ campaign during his electoral campaign.
“It (China) is also willing to carry out trilateral cooperation between China, India and the Maldives. New Delhi should stay more open-minded, as China’s cooperation with South Asian countries is not a zero-sum game,” the editorial said.
The editorial also pointed to the ritual of Maldives presidents historically visiting India first once they are voted to presidency. It said that Muizzu broke tradition and visited Turkey first. “Under normal circumstances, when a new leader comes to power, they arrange their visits based on the importance and urgency of the matters to be dealt with. President Muizzu broke tradition by visiting Turkey for his first official overseas visit instead of India,” the editorial said.
Muizzu on Monday visited the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in China’s Fujian province along with Maldivian first lady Sajidha Mohamed. He will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and will also sign several new agreements.
“We believe that through this visit, the two heads of state will provide strategic guidance for the bilateral relations to reach a new height,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said last week.
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