Chinese State Media Asks India To Be 'Open-Minded' On Maldives Row, Offers Trilateral Cooperation While Muizzu Is In China

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's recent visit to Beijing to sign bilateral agreements has triggered commentary from China's state media, specifically addressing India's diplomatic tensions with the Maldives as reported by NDTV.

The Global Times editorial stated "It also respects the friendly and cooperative relationship between the Maldives and India, fully aware of the importance for Male to maintain good relations with New Delhi. Beijing has never asked Male to reject New Delhi because of the conflicts between China and India, nor does it view cooperation between the Maldives and India as unfriendly or a threat."

Tensions between India and the Maldives have escalated since President Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, assumed power, defeating the India-friendly Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Muizzu who had campaigned on the "India Out" plank has after winning urged India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, revoked the India-Maldives hydrographic survey agreement signed in 2019, and decided to skip key Indian Ocean security meet with India and other neighbours while opting to be present at Chinese Forum.

The editorial further stated, "(China) is also willing to carry out trilateral cooperation between China, India, and the Maldives. New Delhi should stay more open-minded, as China's cooperation with South Asian countries is not a zero-sum game," it said.

The editorial also noted President Muizzu's departure from tradition by choosing Turkey for his first official overseas visit instead of India.

During his visit to China, Muizzu is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and sign various agreements, marking a new historical starting point in China-Maldives relations, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.