Maldives Links Up With China In Pivot Away From India

(MNI) London - Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently hosting his counterpart from the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu in Beijing, with the two countries set to sign a number of bilateral agreements on areas ranging from infrastructure to tourism. At the meeting, Chinese state media reports that Xi called Muizzu an 'old friend', and stated that China is willing to make new plans to develop bilateral ties with the Maldives and push relations to a new level.

• The Maldives' geostrategic position in the Indian Ocean boosts the profile of its political alignment. The 2023 presidential election in the Maldives was seen as, among other considerations, a choice between the pro-Beijing Muizzu and the pro-Delhi incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
• Muizzi's victory was seen as a blow to India, with the new president running under an 'India Out' banner and since enforcingthe removal of some Indian military personnel. The two countries have become engaged in a diplomaticrow after a visit by PM Narendra Modi to the Lakshadweep archipelago close to the Maldives was seen as an attempt to draw Indian tourists towards the islands and away from the Maldives (tourism being a key cog of the Maldivian economy).
• China and India, while both BRICS members, remain economic competitors as well as competitors for political influence in Asia. Given China's strong links with Pakistan and Bangladesh, Beijing gaining the support of the Maldives could raise concerns in Delhi of being contained on an increasing number of sides by Chinese allies.