The Maldives government, following the recent elections in the Taiwan region, has restated its steadfast commitment to the one-China principle. This announcement came in the wake of the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate, Lai Ching-te, in Taiwan. The Maldives’ Foreign Ministry issued a statement underscoring the country’s longstanding policy, which views Taiwan as an inseparable part of China’s territory.
This reaffirmation echoes the joint communiqué issued during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent state visit to China. The Maldives government expressed its opposition to any actions or statements that challenge China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and reiterated its stance against “Taiwan independence” separatist activities.
Historically, the Maldives has consistently upheld the one-China policy. However, an intriguing deviation occurred under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, which mistakenly sought parliamentary approval for a Republic of China (Taiwan) ambassador. This incident was swiftly rectified with an official apology to China and a reassertion of the one-China policy.
Globally, the response to Taiwan’s election has been varied. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, as reported by the Xinhua news agency, stated that the election results do not alter the fundamental cross-strait relations. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasised America’s non-support for Taiwan’s independence. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken congratulated Lai, while reiterating the U.S. commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Other international reactions included British Foreign Minister David Cameron’s call for peaceful resolution of differences, Japan’s congratulatory message emphasising peaceful dialogue, and Russia’s reaffirmation of Taiwan as part of China. Germany and France, while congratulating Taiwan’s democratic process, underscored their commitment to the one-China policy.
The Maldives’ latest statement is in line with the broader international stance on Taiwan, balancing diplomatic relations and regional stability.
