Government’s economic diversification efforts delightful, China will support: Ambassador Wang

China is pleased with the Maldivian government’s devotion to economic diversification and sustainability, and promised the Asian ally will continue to support the Maldives, says Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin.

She made the remarks at the special ceremony held to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the Chinese National Day.

While speaking at the ceremony, Lixin said that the government’s economic diversification and sustainability efforts, along with the promotion of economic reforms, improvement of the people’s livelihood, and playing a leading role in the climate change issue under the framework of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is noteworthy, adding the Chinese government appreciates these efforts.

In this regard, she added that China will continue its support to the Maldives in enhancing the island nation’s capacity for independent development, “exploring a development path that suits its national conditions.”

Lixin underscored the friendly ties between the Maldives and China, formed with the establishment of diplomatic relations 52 years ago, and noted that despite the “vicissitudes of the international situation” both countries have always respected and supported each other.

“… setting a good example of equal treatment, mutual assistance, and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes,” she said.

While highlighting this year marks the 10^th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “historic state visit to the Maldives” and also the 10^th anniversary of Maldives joining the Belt and Road Initiative, Lixin said that the bilateral relations between both countries have yielded fruitful results. She emphasized the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, expanded Velana International Airport (VIA) and social housing projects have brought transformative changes to the Maldives national development and the people’s livelihood.

Lixin further noted that both sides are now working “very hard to implement consensus” made by Xi Jinping and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the latter’s visit to China earlier in 2024.

“We are accelerating China-aided projects to develop a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale’ and to develop the roads of Male’ and Vilimale’ to establish new landmarks for our cooperation,” the ambassador added.

She also said that in the coming “golden week” of the Chinese National Day holiday, she expects for the growth in Chinese arrivals to the Maldives. Lixin added that both countries have been increasing people-to-people exchanges in the fields of culture, education, sports, women, youth and media.

“China is ready to join hands with the Maldives to enhance strategic mutual trust, carry forward traditional friendship, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lixin added.

She went on to add that while the Maldives may be diminutive, its vision is big and said “the resources may be limited, but the potential is unlimited”. She further said that though the natural conditions may be vulnerable, the Maldivian people are resilient.

Lixin said that the two countries will strive to build a community with a shared future, benefiting the people of both countries.