Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded his two-day visit to the Maldives and returned home. This visit was noteworthy as he was invited as the Chief Guest at the Maldives Independence Day celebrations. It was the first visit by a foreign leader to participate in such a significant event since President Mohammed Mouzzou took office.
During this visit, PM Modi announced a credit line of over 565 million dollars to strengthen development partnerships with the Maldives and initiated discussions on a Free Trade Agreement. However, this has raised concerns in China, causing quite an unrest among Chinese experts.
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The Chinese outlet Global Times reported that Indian media portrayed this visit as diminishing China's influence in the Maldives. Referring to Indian media coverage, Chinese media mentioned Maldivian President Mohammed Mouzzou's statements, where he referred to India as the 'first responder' and 'most reliable partner.'
Source: aajtak
Chinese Experts Critique Indian Media Coverage
Chinese experts expressed displeasure over Indian media coverage. In a Global Times report, Qian Feng, the research director at Tsinghua University's National Strategy Institute, issued a statement. He asserted that Indian media's perspective reflects an outdated mindset rooted in a zero-sum game mentality.
Additionally, Chinese experts have also advocated for the Maldives' interests, declaring their intention to maintain close relations with China. Furthermore, they remarked, 'The Maldives is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative and is trying to adopt a balanced foreign policy with both countries.'
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Source: aajtak
Chinese Experts Appreciate Mohammed Mouzzou's Previous Statements
The Global Times also mentioned Mohammed Mouzzou's visit to China and his statements, writing, 'During his January visit to China, President Mouzzou expressed that the Maldives wishes to remain China's closest partner. He also noted that the Maldives appreciates China's role in maintaining peace and stability globally and will continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China for global justice and fairness.'
