Chinese Ambassador Highlights Strong Political Ties, Expanding Maldives Cooperation in China’s Anniversary Speech 

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua has said the Maldives and China enjoy strong political mutual trust and share similar development visions, highlighting the potential for expanded cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival, Kong said the two countries have “tremendous potential for cooperation” and described them as comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.

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Kong highlighted growing people-to-people ties, saying nearly 300 Maldivians from various sectors had visited China this year at the invitation of the Chinese government.

He also pointed to ongoing economic cooperation, including the Coconut Tree Pest Control Project in Hanimaadhoo, the China-Maldives Friendship Hospital and the Malé-Vilimalé Road Redevelopment Project.

The ambassador said the hospital and road redevelopment project are expected to begin construction by the end of this year or early next year. He added that the construction of Island Council buildings is progressing and is expected to receive project approval by the end of this year.

Kong said 280,000 Chinese tourists had visited the Maldives as of September 15, marking a 13 per cent increase, and expressed confidence that Chinese tourist arrivals would increase during the upcoming National Day holiday.

He also highlighted the China-Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum scheduled for October, saying it would provide businesses from both countries with a platform to explore commercial opportunities and deepen economic ties.

Kong said China and the Maldives could further cooperate in tourism, fisheries, agriculture and economic diversification by combining China’s technology, capital and management expertise with Maldivian resources and talent.

The ambassador also said China would continue supporting maintenance of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge after a drifting vessel struck the bridge earlier this month. He said a Chinese maintenance team inspected the bridge after the incident and found it strong enough to withstand such unexpected conditions.

Kong said the China-funded projects highlighted in his remarks are fully funded through Chinese aid and do not increase the Maldives’ debt burden.