“We Aren’t In Anyone’s Backyard”: Maldives’ President Muizzu After China Visit

After returning from his packed state visit to China, amidst the ongoing social media storms in India following critical comments made against India and Prime Minister Modi by his now-suspended ministers, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the significance of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and asserted the nation’s independence in a statement.

President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives’ extensive EEZ, spanning 900,000 square kilometers, positioning the country as one with a substantial share in the vast Indian Ocean. He underscored that the ocean is not the sole possession of any specific nation, asserting that it belongs to all countries situated within its expanse.

Addressing concerns about the nation’s size, President Muizzu firmly stated that despite being small in size, the Maldives stands as an independent and sovereign state. In a veiled reference to the former administration which was close to India, he remarked on the previous government seeking permission from a foreign country for a transition of power.

“We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us,” President Muizzu declared, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to maintaining its autonomy on the global stage.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, President Muizzu was quoted as saying by the Sun online portal that China has pledged 130 million dollars in grant assistance to the island nation.

“That is approximately USD 130 million in grants. This will be spent on developmental projects. The biggest spending will be on the development of the roads of Male’,” Sun quoted him.

Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Muizzu had reportedly held extensive talks that resulted in the signing of 20 key agreements.