China on Monday said it is willing to carry out trilateral cooperation between India and Maldives amid the escalating diplomatic ties between the former nations.
China’s statement comes on the day when Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is on a visit to the country.
China’s state media editorial refers to India-Maldives diplomatic row:
China's state media—Global Times has referred to the escalating diplomatic row between India and Maldives following derogatory post by Maldives ministers against PM Narendra Modi.
The editorial by China’s Global Times states: “It 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. Beijing has never asked Male 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," the editorial in Global Times said.
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It added: "It (China) 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.”
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's China visit:
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in China on Monday
Muizzu along with the country’s First Lady Sajidha Mohamed is on a five-day China visit.
Muizzu is considered pro-Chinese and after assuming power he has been consolidating ties with the Xi Jinping lead country.
Traditionally, Maldives held close ties with India. Muizzu’s predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih worked closely with India.
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Maldives government made announcement about the Muizzu’s arrival in China on social media.
"H.E. President Dr @MMuizzu and H.E. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have arrived in Xiamen, in China's Fujian province, today on a state visit to China. This visit is at the invitation of the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping," Maldives President's Office said.
Muizzu was seen greeted by Chinese officials upon his arrival at the airport in Fujian.
Muizzu and his wife are on a State visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
This is the first bilateral visit of Maldives President Muizzu since assuming office on December 17 last year.
According to the reports during Muizzu's visit, the Maldives and China will hold official talks and sign key agreements to enhance trade, professional development, and socio-economic cooperation.
Muizzu will also attend the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou and meet senior Chinese business leaders.
In a statement, the Maldives President's Office stated, "The visit aims to pave the way for technological and other collaborations between the two countries."
A high-level delegation is also accompanying the Maldives President and the First Lady.
The Maldives President's Office stated, "Additionally, the President will meet with senior Chinese government officials, attend the Invest Maldives Forum, and have meetings with senior Chinese business leaders to explore avenues of mutual collaborations in investments and trade between the Maldives and China.
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"Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and China were established on October 14, 1972. Since then, China and the Maldives have actively engaged in fostering strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
