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China baffled by India concerns over Maldives island sold to Chinese firm

Fathmath Shaahunaz
04 January 2017, MVT 20:34
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Fukang (R) with Tourism Minister Moosa Zameer. FILE PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU
Fathmath Shaahunaz
04 January 2017, MVT 20:34

India’s concerns over the island of Feydhoo Finolhu in Kaafu atoll being sold to a Chinese firm are baffling, declared China on Wednesday.

The Maldives government sold Feydhoo Finolhu, which was previously used for Maldives Police Service activities, to a yet undisclosed Chinese company for USD 4 million (MVR 61 million) for a period of 50 years.

Indian media reported last Monday that some diplomats have expressed concerns that selling the uninhabited island nearest to capital Male and the main airport of the Maldives might have a negative effect on the strategic interests of India.

It remains unclear why selling Feydhoo Finolhu hinders the strategic interests of India as the island was awarded for tourism development. Several companies of India have also been investing in the Maldives’ tourism industry among other sectors.

Speaking to reporters, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Fukang disclosed that the Maldives government has yet to officially inform the Chinese firm of awarding the island. Stating that he does not know the identity of the company in question, the Ambassador said he was aware that the Maldives’ Minister of Tourism has publicly announced the transaction.

Noting that three Chinese companies are already active in the island nation’s tourism sector, Ambassador Fukang criticised the Indian media for raising concerns over the matter. He said that he was surprised and baffled by the issue, pointing out that every country has the opportunity to invest in the Maldives.

After the amendments brought to the Tourism Act this year, Feydhoo Finolhu and 10 other Islands and a lagoon near Huvafenfushi Resort were included in the government’s list to be sold without bid. Feydhoo Finolhu was initially to be sold at a price of USD 3 million.

Meanwhile, opposition parties and tourism industry officials have criticized that Feydhoo Finolhu was sold at a price much lower than expected. Some experts say the island could have earned an amount of USD 10 million at least.

Furthermore, India had previously expressed concerns over the increasing influence of China in the Maldives. Heavy criticisms have been aimed at the many ongoing projects which were kicked off with Chinese financial aid.

Conversely, other entities of India have stated that the Maldives cannot only wait for its closest South Asian ally to provide fund for development projects.

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