A digest of news and opinion from the Maldives.
New Delhi’s outdated strategic mentality cannot “dampen the strong enthusiasm” in the region for deepening cooperation with Beijing, Chinese state media has claimed. The Global Times, an excitable tabloid that often reflects party thinking, said the formal handover of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port to China on a 99-year lease had stirred alarm in New Delhi. […]
Corresponding with the China-Maldives free trade agreement, Maldivian travel agencies will be able to set up business in China and sell tour packages to tourist in China. As per the agreement, local travel agencies and tour operators from Maldives can set their base and operate from Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin in China. These tour operators […]
China and the Maldives appear to have different perspectives on Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen’s three-day visit to Beijing which will end today, 9 December. Both countries feel that the visit has taken the relationship to a higher level and broadened its scope greatly. But while China has laid stress on the signing of an […]
Twelve key agreements were signed today between the Government of Maldives and Government of China. The ceremony was held at the Great Hall of People in Beijing this afternoon. President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and President Xi Jinping witnessed today’s signing ceremony. The agreements signed today are as follows: 1. MoU between the Government of […]
The announcement of a free trade agreement between the Maldives and China is another sign of Beijing’s success in its outreach in South Asia. After its push for maritime linkages across the Indian Ocean, including naval exercises and port projects, and for the enhancement of regional connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative, China seems […]
Beijing, Dec 6 China today defended its much- criticised FTA with Maldives, saying it serves the interests of the two countries and the region, as Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen kicks off his maiden visit here. Yameen will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and the two the countries are expected to sign more […]
South Asian neighbours are “jealous” of the progress the Maldives is making through its partnership with China, MP Riyaz Rasheed said at a ruling party rally Tuesday night. “There are neighbours of ours who are jealous of the progress and development that could come to this nation because we joined China,” the deputy parliamentary group […]
The Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (MCFTA) which was passed by the Maldivian Parliament recently is likely to be signed during Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen’s three-day visit to Beijing which begins today, 6 December, a Maldivian official said. A brief note issued on Monday said the trip will take place from 6 to 9 December. “High-level […]