China Provides Stability for Maldives, Remains Largest Source of Tourists, Says Ambassador

China’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, said China’s stable development provides a reliable foundation for partners like the Maldives during turbulent times, noting that China remains the country’s largest source of tourists.

In a statement, Ambassador Kong highlighted the broader context of Maldives–China relations, emphasising stability, economic cooperation, and shared development goals. He noted that China’s systematic planning through its Five-Year Plans and steady economic growth offer international partners a reliable foundation amid global uncertainties, including crises in the Middle East and market volatility.

Ambassador Kong noted that tourism remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. In 2025, over 320,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives, making China the largest source market, while arrivals in 2026 have already exceeded 86,464—a year-on-year increase of 30 percent. Growth in China’s middle class and disposable income underpins this trend, providing a stable and promising market for Maldivian tourism, he said.

Ambassador Kong also highlighted opportunities for practical economic cooperation. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan prioritises industrial modernisation, emerging industries, digital infrastructure, tropical agriculture, marine economy, and green energy—areas closely aligned with Maldivian development priorities. Collaborative initiatives are already underway, including joint work by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences and the Maldives Ministry of Agriculture on pest control programmes.

The ambassador framed the partnership as mutually beneficial and people-centred, aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with the Maldives’ 2040 Vision. He highlighed that bilateral cooperation aims to strengthen practical engagement, deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and ensure that the benefits of collaboration reach both nations’ peoples.

China’s global initiatives on development, security, civilisation, and governance were highlighted as frameworks that support high-standard international cooperation and inclusive growth, offering opportunities for joint regional and global action.

Ambassador Kong concluded that the China–Maldives relationship has a “profound foundation and broad prospects,” with both countries committed to building a community with a shared future. He stressed that long-term progress requires initiative, unity, and practical action, and affirmed that China remains ready to support the Maldives in economic development, tourism growth, technological advancement, and wider social development.