China fully backs sovereignty of Maldives; ties set to achieve new heights: President Muizzu

Maldivian President praises China's support and strategic relationship, seeks closer ties and independence from India.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has praised his country's strategic relationship with China, saying the two countries respect each other and Beijing fully supports the Indian Ocean island's sovereignty.

Mr. Muizzu's comments came amid an unease in the Maldives' bilateral ties with India after he took office in November last year.

Mr. Muizzu, who returned to the Maldives on Saturday after a high-profile state visit to Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, noted that China has provided assistance to the development of the Maldives since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972.

During his just-concluded visit to China, Mr. Muizzu, regarded as a pro-China leader, sought to align Maldives closer to Beijing and both countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.

He also said China's Belt and Road Initiative has taken bilateral relations to a new level.

China is not a country that would interfere with the internal affairs of the Maldives, which is why the two countries have a strong relationship, Mr. Muizzu was quoted as saying in an interview with China's state-run CGTN channel.