China–Maldives relations


China–Maldives relations refer to foreign relations between China and the Maldives. China has an embassy in Malé and the Maldives has an embassy in Beijing which opened in 2009. Diplomatic relations were established in 1972.

High level visits

In May 2011, Wu Bangguo, the Chairman of Chinese National People's Congress and Politburo Standing Committee member, visited the Maldives.
In October 2012, Li Changchun, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited the Maldivian President Mohammed Waheed Hassan. Li said "China will continue to provide assistance to its capacity to help promote the Maldivian social and economic growth and support the country's infrastructure and human resource development".
In September 2014, Xi Jinping, President and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, visited Maldivian President Yameen.

Impact on relations with India

Successive Indian Governments have expressed concern about the growing Chinese influence in the Maldives, including China's intention to set up military base in Marao.
China and the Maldives have announced the construction of the Joint Ocean Observation Station, which the Government of India and the Maldivian Democratic Party have argued will be used for military applications by China.