Amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India, the Maldives is poised to receive complimentary military support from China. On Monday, Beijing inked a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties by providing free military assistance.
This development follows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s ultimatum for withdrawing the initial contingent of Indian military personnel, heightening strains between the two nations. Maldives’ Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon discussed with Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation, focusing on enhancing defense collaboration.
The Maldivian defence ministry announced the agreement on its official handle, stating, “Maumoon and Major General Baoqun signed an agreement on China’s provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties.”
In addition to the military aid, China has gifted 12 eco-friendly ambulances to the Maldives, as reported by a news portal. This announcement coincided with a ceremony at the Ministry of Health attended by Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin. The Chinese military delegation’s visit occurs shortly after India confirmed the arrival of its first civilian team of technical experts in the Maldives, slated to replace the military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter.
President Muizzu had earlier set a deadline of March 10 for the withdrawal of the initial group of Indian troops from the country. During a press briefing in New Delhi on February 29, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform.”
The strategic maneuvers in the Indian Ocean region underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics, with China providing military assistance and India managing the transition of its personnel in the face of heightened diplomatic discord.
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