CIDCA Reaffirms Commitment to Global South Amid Growing Cooperation With Maldives

The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable development across the Global South, highlighting infrastructure, climate resilience, digital transformation and livelihood projects as key priorities, as China continues to expand its development partnership with the Maldives through major infrastructure projects and bilateral agreements.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, CIDCA spokesperson Tang Ying said China’s foreign aid and international development cooperation is guided by the outcomes of head-of-state diplomacy, with the agency translating high-level agreements into practical projects that improve livelihoods and promote economic and social development.

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Tang said CIDCA has signed a range of development cooperation agreements, memoranda of understanding and project implementation documents with partner countries during the first half of the year, covering infrastructure, vocational training, smart education, public health, agricultural development and poverty alleviation.

“China always honours its words with actions, and delivers results with perseverance,” she said, adding that the agency would continue implementing “small yet smart” livelihood projects while advancing commitments made under the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and other multilateral cooperation frameworks.

The agency’s remarks come as China continues to strengthen development cooperation with the Maldives following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China in January 2024, during which the two countries signed around 20 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering infrastructure development, economic and technical cooperation, disaster risk reduction, the blue economy, digital development, tourism and climate change.

Several Chinese-backed projects continue to play a significant role in the Maldives’ development. The expansion of Velana International Airport, remains one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects and is expected to substantially increase passenger capacity.

China also financed and constructed the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge (Sinamalé Bridge), linking Malé with Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, while Chinese companies have contributed to large-scale housing developments and urban infrastructure projects in Hulhumalé.

Among the ongoing initiatives is the Chinese-funded road redevelopment project in Malé and Vilimalé, one of the projects agreed upon during President Muizzu’s visit to China. A team from China Railway Design Company began site inspections in Malé and Vilimalé last month as preparations for the project moved forward.

Commenting on the project on Monday, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua expressed confidence in its successful implementation.

“Given the Chinese government’s resolute commitment to this project, I am fully confident in the experts’ ability to deliver it successfully and overcome the difficulties,” Kong said in a post on X.

He noted that the project would involve rebuilding underground drainage pipelines while minimising disruption to residents’ daily lives.

“The work ahead will be more difficult and challenging—not only will we have to rebuild the underground drainage pipelines, but we also need to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that local residents’ daily lives are not affected during the construction,” he said.

Kong added that China hopes the project will receive the understanding and support of the local community.

“It is our sincere hope that the project will be met with the understanding and support of the local community. We are grateful in advance for their cooperation and accommodation,” he said.

This China-aided Redevelopment of Malé and Villimalé Roads Project is a major outcome of President Muizzu’s state visit to China. Over the past two years, the teams on both sides have conducted extensive preliminary research and feasibility studies. The work ahead will be more… https://t.co/Y92HiJs0EU— Ambassador Kong Xianhua (@China_Amb_Mdv) June 29, 2026

Tang also highlighted progress under the Global Development Initiative, saying the Global Development Project Pool has attracted hundreds of partners and launched more than 1,800 projects covering all eight priority areas of the initiative as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She said China has also launched the “Digital South” programme to help developing countries strengthen digital infrastructure and bridge the digital divide.

For the Maldives, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable island nations, China’s focus on climate resilience, clean energy and sustainable infrastructure complements ongoing cooperation in transport, housing and public infrastructure.

Tang said China would continue implementing development cooperation outcomes achieved through head-of-state diplomacy and work with partner countries to promote economic growth, improve livelihoods and support sustainable development across the Global South.