Chinese Ambassador Says Eydhafushi Visit Highlights “People More Beautiful Than the View”

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, His Excellency Kong Xianhua, has described the people of Baa Atoll Eydhafushi as “more beautiful than the view,” reflecting on what he called a deeply moving and unforgettable visit to the island. 

In a written account of the trip, the ambassador attributed his impressions to the warm hospitality and cultural richness he experienced during engagements with the local community.

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Ambassador Kong said he and his colleagues were welcomed with “heartfelt kindness” after an invitation from the Eydhafushi Council. He noted that the grand reception—including traditional Maldivian dances, cultural displays, and demonstrations of local craftsmanship—offered a vivid insight into the island’s history and heritage. Many of the traditional tools, he observed, reminded him of his own childhood in a small village in Northeast China, underscoring what he described as shared Asian cultural roots.

A cultural night hosted in honour of the visiting delegation left a lasting impact, the ambassador wrote. Dressed in libaas and feyli, he said the music, traditional cuisine and performances made the delegation feel “as if we were becoming Maldivians ourselves.”

During visits to MAM Preschool – Bahiyya Campus and Baa Atoll Education Centre, Ambassador Kong recounted being warmly greeted by children waving hand-made Maldivian and Chinese flags. He said watching the students dance to a Chinese song—accompanied by their enthusiasm for pandas—was a joyful moment. The ambassador added that he was pleased to see strong interest in China among the school’s students, describing them as “future ambassadors of friendship” between the two nations.

Ambassador Kong also visited the island’s football stadium, where he met young players and veterans training under Chinese-supplied solar panels that power community facilities. At Baa Atoll Hospital, he praised the dedication and professionalism of doctors and nurses serving the local population.

Reflecting on his discussions with Eydhafushi Council members, the ambassador said both countries share a deeply rooted commitment to placing people at the centre of development. He reiterated that strengthening China–Maldives cooperation, through “win–win collaboration,” remains his foremost priority.

“As my first visit to Eydhafushi draws to a close, our friendship is only beginning to rise to new heights,” Ambassador Kong wrote, expressing gratitude to the island’s residents. “To the people more beautiful than the view, I say Shukureyaa. With your support, many new and inspiring chapters of China–Maldives friendship and cooperation await us ahead.”