The Maldives and China recently inked a defence cooperation pact in the middle of a diplomatic spat with India. In an effort to improve bilateral relations, the pact calls on China to give the Maldives free military support. Soon after President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives ordered that Indian military soldiers leave the nation, this action was taken. In keeping with the developing ties between Beijing and Male, China has also sent the Maldives environmentally efficient ambulances.
Minister of Defence @mgmaumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the People's Republic of China, signed an agreement on China's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering… pic.twitter.com/OeaAe2QZr9— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) March 4, 2024
Allowing a Chinese research vessel to land at Male Port is just one example of how the Maldives has moved towards deeper connections with China under President Muizzu's direction. Potential Chinese military actions in the Indian Ocean region have come under scrutiny as a result of this move. The Maldives are an important participant in regional geopolitics due to their close proximity to India and advantageous location in the Indian Ocean region.
With considerable defence and security cooperation under previous administrations, the Maldives and India have had a long and cordial relationship. The Maldivian government of today, however, has stated that it intends to examine a number of bilateral agreements that previous administrations inked with India. This change in foreign policy may have an impact on the strategic dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region.
The shifting ties between the Maldives, China, and India are an example of the region's complex geopolitical landscape. The Maldives' strategic location and interactions with powerful nations like China and India will influence its foreign policy decisions going forward as well as regional dynamics.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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