China Extends Military Aid to Maldives Amidst Rising Dispute with India

China formally entered into a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives, offering complimentary military assistance to strengthen bilateral relations. This development comes in the wake of President Mohamed Muizzu setting a deadline for the initial withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

The Maldives' Defense Minister, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, engaged in discussions with Major General Zhang Baoqun, the Deputy Director of China's Office for International Military Cooperation, aiming to enhance defense collaboration between the two nations.

The official defense ministry of the Maldives shared on its designated X platform that Maumoon and Major General Baoqun ‘signed an agreement on China’s provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties.’

The specifics of the defence cooperation agreement were not disclosed.
Simultaneously, Edition.mv news portal reported on Monday that China has generously donated 12 environmentally friendly ambulances to the Maldives.

In a ceremony conducted at the Ministry of Health on Sunday, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, formally presented the letter conveying the gift of ambulances to the Maldives.
The arrival of the Chinese military delegation occurred shortly after Male granted permission for Xiang Yang Hong 03, an advanced Chinese research vessel, to make a port visit for the purpose of "rotation of its personnel and replenishment."
A spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry had previously justified the Chinese research ship's port call in the Maldives, stating that ‘China’s scientific research activities in relevant waters are for peaceful purposes and aimed at contributing to humanity’s scientific understanding of the ocean.’ The arrival of the Chinese military delegation in the Maldives coincides with India's recent confirmation that its initial civilian team of technical experts has arrived in the island nation to replace military personnel overseeing an advanced light helicopter.

President Muizzu, who is widely perceived as a leader with pro-China leanings, has established March 10 as the deadline for the initial withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his nation.

During his weekly media briefing on February 29 in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal of the Ministry of External Affairs stated, ‘The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform.’

After discussions within the high-level core group established to tackle the matter of withdrawing Indian military personnel, the Maldivian foreign ministry announced that India would undertake a complete replacement of its military personnel in two stages, concluding by May 10.

As per the Maldivian government, there are 88 Indian military personnel present in the country, primarily tasked with operating two helicopters and an aircraft. These aircraft have been involved in numerous medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

The relationship between the two nations experienced tension following Muizzu's assumption of power in November of the previous year.
Upon assuming the presidency, Muizzu affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his election pledge of removing Indian military personnel from his country.
Muizzu secured victory in the presidential runoff held in September of the previous year, defeating the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who had a favorable stance towards India.

The Maldives holds a significant position as one of India's crucial maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region. During the tenure of the previous government in Male, bilateral relations, particularly in defense and security, experienced positive growth. However, the present administration has expressed its intention to reassess over 100 bilateral agreements inked with India by preceding governments.

The strategic significance of the Maldives is underscored by its close proximity to India, situated just 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the western coast of the mainland. Additionally, its central location at the crossroads of major commercial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) further enhances its strategic importance.