The Maldives, a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean, has traditionally had close ties with India, its larger neighbor to the north. However, in recent years, the Maldives has increasingly turned to China for economic and political support. This trend was on full display during a recent visit by Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed Hassan to Beijing, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
The two leaders signed 20 agreements during the visit, covering areas such as tourism cooperation, infrastructure development, and investment. These agreements signal a deepening relationship between the two countries, and China is now the Maldives’ biggest trading partner.
India has long been the Maldives’ most important economic partner, and it remains the country’s largest source of tourists. However, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2019, China surpassed India as the Maldives’ largest source of foreign direct investment.
The Maldives’ decision to tilt closer to China has raised concerns in India. New Delhi worries that Beijing is using its economic clout to gain political influence in the region. India has also been critical of China’s claims to territory in the Indian Ocean, some of which are disputed by the Maldives.
The Maldives government has assured India that its relationship with China is not intended to come at the expense of its ties with India. However, it is clear that the Maldives is looking to diversify its partnerships and reduce its dependence on India.
The Maldives’ decision to pivot towards China is a sign of the changing geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean. China is increasingly flexing its muscles in the region, and countries like the Maldives are finding it difficult to resist its advances. India will need to work hard to maintain its influence in the region in the face of China’s growing power.
This is just a brief overview of the complex relationship between the Maldives, India, and China. There is much more to the story, and it is one that is likely to play out for many years to come.