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Mutual respect; key for 50 years of China-Maldives bilateral ties

Mohamed Rehan
17 October 2022, MVT 15:34
During the official opening ceremony of the new runway at Velana International Airport (VIA); the new runway and the new seaplane terminal were developed through the aid of Chinese government-- Photo: Nishan Ali | Mihaaru
Mohamed Rehan
17 October 2022, MVT 15:34

One is a low-lying tropical island nation in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The other is one of largest economies in the world. One is known for its world-renowned tourism industry. The other a global super-power in terms of consumer electronics, trading, oil and manufacturing among several other industries. One is Republic of Maldives and the other is the People’s Republic of China.

Yet, the two nations celebrate 50 years of bilateral ties this year, which began all the way back in 1972. Some accounts claim that the friendly exchange between the two nations dates even further back.

Reportedly, 600 years back, the Chinese navigator from the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He, is believed to have traveled with his fleet to the Maldives twice; once in 1412 AD and again in 1417 AD. There are other records from Tang Dynasty documenting a visiting Maldivian delegation bearing gifts from King Baladitiya to Emperor Gaozong in 658 AD and again in 662 AD.

The extent of China’s assistance to Maldives throughout is unquestionable.

The largest infrastructural development project in the Maldives so far, the Sinamale’ Bridge, would not have become a reality had it not been for the generosity of China. The expansion of the country’s aviation hub; Velana International Airport – from its runway expansion to the development of the new seaplane terminal – would have likely stalled were it not for China’s assistance. In fact, the country was at the forefront to assist the island nation in its mission to combat the Covid-19 pandemic amid the outbreak in 2020. China was the first foreign sovereignty to extend a helping hand during the health crisis; from ventilator and medical equipment to vaccine doses .

The official inauguration ceremony of the Sinamale' Bridge-- Photo: Hussain Waheed | Mihaaru

President of the People's Republic of China H.E. Xi Jinping extended his congratulations and good wishes to the government and people of Maldives on the occasion. The Chinese head of state, while hinting of centuries old friendly exchanges between the nations said, both Maldives and China had always held high regard and respect for one another; and treated each other as sovereign equals. He highlighted on the cooperative tiding over difficulties together, and extending helping hands to each other.

China Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-- Photo: President's Office

The Chinese Ambassador to Maldives H.E. Wang Lixin had addressed the strong camaraderie between both countries and its people. She went on to acknowledge the continued strengthening of diplomatic ties, which only grew stronger through challenges.

“China highly appreciates the Maldivian government’s longstanding commitment on one-China policy. China firmly supports the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and national dignity and help the Maldives in social and economic development. The China-Maldives relations have become a model of friendly exchanges, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between countries with different systems and cultures in the international arena,” she adds.

Former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen during a previous state visit to China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping; the South Asian giant commenced Sinamale' Bridge development during Abdulla Yameen's presidency-- Photo: President's Office

The Ambassador notes the Sinamale’ Bridge, is a landmark project of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, which she identifies having brought enormous changes to the island nation.

Historical Timeline of China Maldives Bilateral Ties;

- 1972: establishment of Maldives-China bilateral relations

- 1984: Maldives president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom paid a state visit to China in October, marking it the first visit to China by a Maldivian president since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries

- 1990: Construction of Sinamale’ I and II housing buildings

- 2005: Emergency relief assistance worth USD 500,000 provided by the Chinese government to tsunami-hit Maldives

- 2007: Maldives National Museum, redesigned and constructed under a grant of RMB 58 million from China

- 2008: Maldivian embassy opens in China

- 2011: China embassy opens in Maldives

- 2012: Completion of 1,000-unit housing development project Phase I in Hulhumale’ under Chinese aid

- 2014: First state visit of President Xi Jinping to Maldives

- 2014: Completion of 1,500-unit housing development project Phase II in nine islands across five atolls

- 2018: Completion of Sinamale’ Bridge

- 2018: Completion of 1,344-unit housing development project Phase III and parking facilities in Hulhumale’

- 2020: Completion of Hiyaa Flat Housing Project of 7,000 units in Hulhumale’ Phase II

- 2021: Maldives receives first batch of the 200,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Government of China

- 2022: Expansion and upgrading of Velana International Airport (VIA) project completed with new runway and seaplane terminal

- 2022: Initiation of hybrid power plants across 13 islands of the Maldives

- 2022: Renovation program of Foreign Ministry building

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, made emphasis on the decades old bond between the two countries. Speaking about the strong ties, Maldives head of state acknowledged the immense contribution from China towards the social, cultural and economic development of the Maldives.

“The Maldives-China relationship is anchored in strong foundation of shared historic bonds, sovereign equality and mutual respect for one another. It is also based on the Maldives’ firm commitment to the One-China Principle. I am confident that the long-standing ties of friendship and collaboration that we have shared over the past 50 years will continue to deepen and widen,” President Solih commented.

Speaking in the same regard, and praising the government and people of China for their continued generosity and support, Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid notes that the diplomatic ties between the two nations have stood the test of time, and becoming one of friendship and cooperation. He also thanked China for their contributions towards the socio-economic development of the island nation.

“Maldives will continue to make every effort to further improve its bilateral relations with China, which is founded upon our shared respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the Maldives’ firm commitment to the One-China Principle,” the Maldives Foreign Minister said.

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