China offers free military aid to Maldives amid India tensions
In a move that could further strain relations between India and the Maldives, China has signed a defence cooperation agreement to provide free military assistance to the island nation. The announcement comes just weeks after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from the country.
The Defence Minister of the Maldives, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, held discussions with Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China. The two officials signed an agreement for China to provide military assistance at no cost, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. The specifics of the defence cooperation agreement were not disclosed.
In addition to the military agreement, China gifted 12 eco-friendly ambulances to the Maldives. Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin presented the ambulances at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health on Sunday.
The Chinese military delegation’s visit follows the recent port call of Xiang Yang Hong 03, a hi-tech Chinese research ship, in the Maldives. This move comes amid rising concerns from India over Chinese research vessels collecting data from the Indian Ocean for military purposes.
China’s Foreign Ministry has defended its scientific research activities, claiming they are for peaceful purposes and contribute to humanity’s understanding of the ocean.
President Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, has set a deadline of March 10 for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. India confirmed the dispatch of its first civilian team of technical experts to replace military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter in the country.
Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated after Muizzu assumed power in November, with the President expressing his intention to fulfill his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel. The Maldives, a key maritime neighbor of India in the Indian Ocean Region, has seen a reevaluation of bilateral agreements signed with India by the current government. The strategic proximity of the Maldives to India adds significance to the evolving dynamics in the region.
