Maldives to strengthen military ties with China

December 17, 2012

Maldives held talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing seeking deepening military ties between the two countries.

Both the nations are also boosting economic and diplomatic engagement. Around 25% of Maldives tourism flows from China. Last year, China opened its first Embassy in the Maldives.

China views Maldives as an important country to engage with as it lies in Indian ocean, a strategically-significant location along sea lines that are being increasingly traversed by Chinese ships on piracy missions to the Gulf of Aden. China is considering Maldives for the purpose of supplying logistics and short rest to assist its long range voyages but denied speculations of establishing a military base in the country.

Maldives has also negated rumors relating to China’s hand in cancellation of GMR contract.

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