President Mohamed Muizzu has met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin to seek ways to expedite the implementation of agreements signed during Muizzu’s visit to Beijing. The details of these agreements, signed in January, remain undisclosed.
According to the President’s Office, President Muizzu and Ambassador Wang “addressed the issues highlighted during President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to China earlier this year, and avenues to expedite implementation of agreed issues.”
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has faced criticism for straining historic relations with India. However, his administration emphasises cooperation with all nations to advance national development.
Notably, Muizzu’s initial anti-India rhetoric—accusing the previous administration of hosting thousands of Indian troops—was debunked when it was revealed that only 76 Indian troops were stationed in the Maldives, primarily managing gifted military aircraft. The Indian troops have since been expelled.
According to a statement by the President’s Office, Ambassador Wang assured President Muizzu of China’s commitment to addressing the Maldives’ urgent needs. She highlighted the close ties between both countries and noted the distinctive bond and importance attached to the Maldives by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the President’s Office statement reads.
As the administration continues to implement cuts to public services, there has been growing public frustration over President Muizzu’s unfulfilled electoral pledge to secure foreign assistance to navigate the country through increasingly choppy economic waters. During the presidential campaign, Muizzu promised that his administration would secure international funding and assistance to close the funding gap; however, this has yet to materialise. Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has accused the Muizzu administration of fiscal and economic mismanagement, claiming that it has further exacerbated the crisis.