Maldives President Urges China to Boost Tourism Amid Diplomatic Tensions with India
Written by Sanjay Kumar
In the midst of a diplomatic spat with India, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has appealed to China to enhance efforts in sending more tourists to the Maldives. During his five-day state visit to China, Muizzu praised the longstanding alliance with China and called for increased tourism cooperation, marking China as the “closest” ally to the island nation.
The diplomatic row erupted following derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident led to a wave of cancellations by Indian tourists, prompting the Maldivian President to seek support from China.
Speaking at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu lauded the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing their contribution to significant infrastructure development in the Maldives. He specifically urged China to bolster its tourism efforts, highlighting that China was the Maldives’ leading tourism market before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muizzu’s request aligns with reports of a USD 50 million project signed between the two countries to develop an integrated tourism zone in the Indian Ocean island. Despite the diplomatic tensions, both nations are working towards fostering economic collaboration.
The recent derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Modi led to the suspension of three deputy ministers and condemnation from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI). India, despite the recent tensions, remained the largest tourist market for the Maldives in 2023, with China ranking third in tourist arrivals.
In addition to tourism discussions, Muizzu’s visit aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. The Maldivian President expressed commitment to the swift implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China in 2014, emphasizing its importance in boosting bilateral trade and investments.
During the visit, Muizzu also sought investments from Chinese companies for 11 projects, including the relocation of the Male Commercial Port, Velana International Airport development, construction of 15 additional airports, and the expansion of Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
After concluding his engagements in Fujian, President Muizzu is scheduled to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Ke Qiang in Beijing, further solidifying diplomatic and economic ties between the Maldives and China.
