China reaffirmed its commitment to finance infrastructure projects in the Maldives, following an upgrade in diplomatic relations with the strategically located Indian Ocean archipelago. Amidst the competition for influence between Beijing and New Delhi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, elected in September, pledged to strengthen ties with China and remove Indian troops.

During his inaugural state visit to China, the Maldives' primary external creditor, President Muizzu and Chinese leaders reached a "broad consensus," as outlined in a joint communique issued. The statement, broadcasted on China's state television CCTV, outlined China's commitment to provide support in key areas, including infrastructure construction, medical care, health care, improvement of people's livelihoods, new energy sources, agriculture, and marine environmental protection.

Expressing gratitude for China's "selfless assistance" in providing development funds to the Maldives, President Muizzu acknowledged Beijing's crucial role in the country's economic success and infrastructure development. The joint communique followed a meeting between President Muizzu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Beijing declared the "elevation of bilateral ties."

President Xi emphasised that, under the new circumstances, China-Maldives relations had a historic opportunity to build on past achievements. He expressed China's respect and support for the Maldives in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions. Additionally, President Xi affirmed China's firm support for the Maldives in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national dignity.

President Muizzu, in turn, thanked President Xi for China's significant role in the Maldives' economic success and infrastructure development. His political party has been a beneficiary of funds from China's Belt and Road infrastructure program, a key component of President Xi's strategy to expand China's influence globally.