Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for the Maldives in protecting its "sovereignty" during a meeting with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. The leaders signed several agreements, covering areas such as climate, agriculture, and infrastructure. Muizzu, who was elected in September, has vowed to strengthen ties with Beijing. The Maldives has become a geopolitical hotspot due to its strategic location along global east-west shipping lanes. The country, known for its pristine beaches, has received financial support from China s Belt and Road infrastructure program.
The president-elect of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has announced plans to remove "foreign troops" from the country on his first day in office. Although this has been interpreted as a message to India, officials from India have stated that there are no Indian troops currently stationed in the Maldives. Defense and security have been a significant area of cooperation between India and the Maldives since 1988, with India providing training and equipment to the Maldivian National Defence Force. The president-elect also expressed concerns about the country s indebtedness to a specific country, which is believed to be China.