NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / World News / Stay open-minded: China on ties with Maldives amid India row
    Next Article
    Stay open-minded: China on ties with Maldives amid India row
    China has urged India to have an open-minded approach toward Maldives amid row over PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit

    Stay open-minded: China on ties with Maldives amid India row

    By Manzoor-ul-Hassan
    Jan 08, 2024
    08:33 pm

    What's the story

    China's state-run media has urged India to adopt an "open-minded" approach to South Asian affairs as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu began a five-day state visit on Monday.

    His Beijing visit came amid the island nation's diplomatic row with India.

    The Maldivian government suspended three of its ministers on Sunday for making derogatory comments over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Lakshadweep.

    Notably, India and the Maldives's relations were strained after Muizzu, a pro-China politician, took office last year.

    Context

    Why does this story matter?

    A major diplomatic row erupted after several Maldives leaders passed controversial remarks mocking PM Modi and his visit to Lakshadweep last week.

    The controversy started with now-suspended Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts Mariyam Shiuna calling him a "clown" and a "puppet of Israel" in a series of now-deleted X posts.

    However, Chinese state media attempted to downplay the issue, suggesting New Delhi should resolve it amicably and be more receptive.

    Details

    China respects Maldives' sovereignty and relations with India

    In an editorial, China's state-run Global Times on Sunday claimed Beijing has always viewed the Maldives as an equal partner, respecting its sovereignty and its cordial relationship with India.

    It stated, "[China] 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."

    The media outlet further stressed that Beijing has never asked Male to reject New Delhi despite ongoing conflicts between China and India.

    What Next?

    China open to trilateral cooperation with India, Maldives

    The article also suggested China was willing to engage in trilateral cooperation with India and the Maldives.

    It encouraged New Delhi to be more "open-minded," asserting, "China's cooperation with South Asian countries is not a 'zero-sum game.'"

    Traditionally, newly-elected Maldivian presidents visited India first due to close bilateral ties and the proximity between the two countries, followed by China.

    Of late, Beijing has increased its influence on the island nation through significant infrastructure projects.

    Insights

    President Muizzu's visit to China and upcoming talks

    As part of their visit, Muizzu and his wife, Sajidha Mohamed, toured the Xiamen Free Trade Zone in China's Fujian province on Monday.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin revealed that Muizzu is also scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and sign several agreements.

    Wang earlier expressed optimism about his visit, saying, "We believe that through this visit, the two heads of state will provide strategic guidance for the bilateral relations to reach a new height."

    History

    China-Maldives ties share strong trade ties

    China and the Maldives have a long history of bilateral cooperation and commerce ties.

    In 2017, they inked a free trade agreement to bring down tariffs on more than 95% of bilaterally traded items to zero.

    In 2022, their bilateral trade was $451 million, up 10.1% from the previous year.

    Global Times claimed that in the past 10 years, the highest number of the Maldives's tourists came from China. It is also part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Narendra Modi
    Lakshadweep
    New Delhi
    China

    Latest

    Maharashtra: IMD issues red alert for south Konkan districts Gujarat
    Will Salman grace S03 of Kapil's Netflix show? Kapil Sharma
    This 600hp Bentley Continental GT-rival takes 250 hours to build BMW
    How Martin Scorsese's valuable insights shaped Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound' Cannes Film Festival

    Narendra Modi

    Eyeing 2024 polls, BJP enters 'mission mode'; Congress gets makeover Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    Brij Bhushan to athletes: Reactions to Centre suspending WFI body Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)
    India's triumphs: A glorious year of global achievements Chandrayaan-3
    Mass suspension of opposition MPs premeditated: Kharge to Dhankhar Mallikarjun Kharge

    Lakshadweep

    Liquor ban: Gandhi Jayanti observed as dry day India
    'An island in Lakshadweep has vanished' India
    Dibang in Arunachal tops as 'Beti Bachao' performer India
    Cyclone Ockhi kills 16; fishermen sail to find colleagues Maharashtra

    New Delhi

    Go see for yourself: US praises 'health' of Indian democracy Narendra Modi
    Kuki women protest outside Amit Shah's house amid Manipur violence Amit Shah
    Delhi: After Sakshi Ahuja, 17-year-old falls victim to electric shock New Delhi Railway Station
    NCB destroys 1.4 lakh kilogram drugs worth Rs. 2,300 crore  Amit Shah

    China

    TikTok parent to launch AI chatbot development platform this month TikTok
    Violated sovereignty: China on US warship's presence in disputed SCS United States of America
    Moody's downgrades China's credit outlook to negative on debt worries Business
    Government dismisses reports linking AIIMS cases to China's pneumonia surge All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025