Chinese media has reported that the strengthening of ties between China and Maldives through President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's ongoing visit to the country poses no threat to India.
While every former President conducted a state visit to India before China, President Muizzu, who was elected after conducting a major "India Out" campaign, has broken the mold and first travelled to China on a state visit.
Just prior to this state visit, India began advertising Lakshadweep, included within Indian Union Territory, as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives, giving rise to major social media battles between activists from both countries. With government officials joining in the social media attacks, this has caused damage to the bilateral ties traditionally established between the countries.
Chinese state media is focusing on offering assurances to India through out its coverage of President Muizzu's visit to the country.
An op-ed published on Global Times stated that India is wrongly interpreting the meaning of President Muizzu's visit to China.
It stated that Maldives, an archipelago of multiple islands, needs support for infrastructural development, as well as in strengthening the transport system, explaining that China has the technical expertise to assist in these areas.
The op-ed goes on to state that India considers itself as far more powerful than all other countries in South Asia. The author urges India to let go of their aspirations to achieve regional control. "The reality must be accepted," a professor at Soochow University wrote.
He went on to say that it is not in India's best interests to treat other countries in the region as those they can influence and hold power over. The article called on India to respect the sovereignty and independence of Maldives, a country which is environmentally vulnerable.
"The Maldives Government has every right to decide which country their President will conduct state visits to. That is not a decision that should be influenced by any other countries."
The op-ed also appealed to India to abide by the wishes of the Maldivian government and to remove its military presence in the country.
Another editorial highlighted that President Muizzu's visit to China should not be interpreted as an effort by China to interfere in the bilateral ties between Maldives and India.
It stated that if the visit signified anything, it is that Maldives has no intention of getting involved in territorial fights. It highlighted that President Muizzu himself has previously stated that he will work with all countries, including India.
The article further highlighted China's Belt and Road Initiative, pointing out that the relationship between the countries is symbiotic, benefitting both countries in a variety of endeavours.
"Beijing has never asked Malé 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. It 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 article concluded.
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