Beijing September 5,2025. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held talks with senior Chinese official Li Xi in Beijing on Tuesday, underscoring the island nation’s growing engagement with China amid a week of major diplomatic events, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Li Xi, a member of China’s top political body, the Politburo Standing Committee, and head of the country’s powerful anti-corruption watchdog, lauded the outcomes of Muizzu’s earlier meeting with President Xi Jinping. He described those discussions as “fruitful,” noting that Beijing is eager to deepen trust, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties with the Maldives.
“The relationship between our two countries is built on mutual respect and the vision of a shared future,” Li said, adding that China remains committed to supporting the Maldives in infrastructure, development, and governance reforms.
The meeting also touched on China’s domestic agenda. Li outlined Beijing’s ongoing modernization campaign, which includes technological innovation, economic restructuring, and the Communist Party’s efforts to strengthen internal discipline. He invited the Maldives to explore closer collaboration not only in tourism and trade, but also in governance and institutional exchange.
President Muizzu, who came to power in 2023 with a pledge to diversify the Maldives’ international partnerships, expressed appreciation for China’s continued support. He singled out President Xi’s “personal care” in advancing the bilateral relationship, calling China a “trusted partner and friend” of the Maldives.
“The Maldives has always valued its friendship with China,” Muizzu said. “We are committed to deepening this partnership and exploring new avenues of cooperation that benefit our people and contribute to regional peace and development.”
The Maldivian leader’s visit to Beijing is significant on multiple fronts. His attendance at the SCO Summit highlights the Maldives’ growing interest in regional security and economic frameworks traditionally dominated by larger powers. Meanwhile, his participation in Wednesday’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of victory over fascism underscores the Maldives’ recognition of global historical milestones that resonate deeply with China’s political narrative.
Analysts say Muizzu’s Beijing trip reflects the Maldives’ delicate balancing act in foreign policy. The Indian Ocean nation, known for its strategic location along vital shipping lanes, has long navigated the interests of both India and China. While India has traditionally been its closest ally, recent years have seen China expand its influence through infrastructure projects and development assistance, including in areas such as housing, ports, and tourism.
For China, the Maldives represents not only a diplomatic partner but also a crucial node in its broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to enhance connectivity across Asia and beyond. Beijing has invested heavily in Maldivian projects, from the landmark Sinamalé Bridge to airport expansions and urban development schemes.
By meeting senior leaders such as Li Xi, Muizzu is signaling his intent to keep the Maldives firmly on China’s diplomatic radar while maintaining a degree of independence in the country’s foreign policy.
As his visit continues, observers will be watching closely for concrete agreements or announcements that may emerge from the Maldivian president’s engagements in Beijing. For now, his message has been clear.The Maldives intends to strengthen its partnership with China while positioning itself as a proactive voice in regional and global