Maldives-China Relations: History and Recent visit

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Context (IE): Maldives-China relations will significantly impact the region’s geopolitics.

China-Maldives ties: History

Traditional ties of China-Maldives go back to the Tang dynasty (7th century AD) and the Silk Road.
Famous Ming dynasty Chinese navigator Zheng He also visited Maldives twice in 1412 and 1430.
Maldivian King Yusof also sent envoys to China on three occasions around 1417.
Contemporary diplomatic relations between China and Maldives were established only in 1972.
Economic and trade ties between the two countries began in 1981.
Future-oriented comprehensive relationship was signed in 2014 during Xi Jinping’s visit to Maldives.
Maldives was among the first South Asian countries to the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI).

President of Maldives, Muizzu, was on a state visit to China to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Xi Jinping’s visit to Maldives.
For the first time, a Maldivian President has chosen China for his first overseas visit instead of India.
The “Comprehensive, friendly cooperative partnership” has been elevated to “Comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” between both countries.
It is seen as a signal that the Maldives’ president wants to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
India is blamed for having “undue concerns” and “unease” regarding Muizzu’s China visit.
Chinese media has alleged India’s “hegemonic neighbourhood first” policy in the sub-continent, with New Delhi “always suspicious” of Beijing’s “growing economic and friendly cooperation”.
They have dismissed accusations of Beijing indulging in a “zero-sum game”.

The strategic location of Maldives and deepening rivalry with China have prompted the engagement with Malé.
The US announced the opening of its embassy in October 2020.
Framework on the Defense and Security Relationship was signed 2020 between the USA and the Maldives 2020.