China–Maldives Friendship Bridge Marks Eight Years as Leaders Reaffirm Bilateral Ties

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Kong Xianhua have reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and China as the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge marks its eighth anniversary.

The bridge, which connects Malé with Velana International Airport and Hulhumalé via a link road, was officially opened by then-President Abdulla Yameen on 30 August 2018. Financed through Chinese government assistance and loans, it became one of the Maldives’ major infrastructure projects.

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In a social media post marking the anniversary, President Muizzu described the bridge as more than infrastructure, saying it represents the “trust, solidarity and shared aspirations” between the Maldives and China.

“Eight years ago today, the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge was opened as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between our two nations, connecting our Capital, Malè to the Airport and Hulhumalé,” Muizzu said.

Eight years ago today, the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge was opened as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between our two nations, connecting our Capital, Malè to the Airport and Hulhumalé.

More than infrastructure, it represents the trust, solidarity and shared… pic.twitter.com/8mxqD6POyL— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) August 30, 2026

The President also said that under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, bilateral relations continue to develop, creating new opportunities and opening new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua also marked the anniversary in a post on X, describing the bridge as a symbol of what can be achieved through trust, friendship and shared aspirations.

He said the bridge, constructed as a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reflects the two countries’ cooperation and their shared commitment to development.

Kong said China and the Maldives have maintained mutual respect and supported each other over the years, describing the relationship as an example of equality, mutual benefit and cooperation between countries regardless of their size.

He added that, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China–Maldives relations have continued to develop despite changes in the international landscape.

“Eight years on, may this bridge continue to connect not only islands, but also hearts, opportunities and futures, as we work together to build an even stronger China–Maldives Community with a Shared Future,” the ambassador said.

The China–Maldives Friendship Bridge is more than a bridge—it is a lasting symbol of what we can achieve when trust, friendship and shared aspirations bring us together. As a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, it stands as a testament to the enduring friendship… https://t.co/p1WIY9FNCB— Ambassador Kong Xianhua (@China_Amb_Mdv) August 30, 2026

The Sinamalé Bridge, commonly known as the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge, was built with Chinese government assistance and loans. The project cost approximately US$200 million and was officially inaugurated in 2018.

Eight years ago today, the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge opened.
I had the privilege of serving on that project from its earliest days — the feasibility studies, the surveys, the design reviews, and construction. I remember the doubts, and the mockery of those who said it… pic.twitter.com/usrrJjEmu6— Abdulla Muththalib (@muththo) August 30, 2026