The political turmoil in the Maldives has reportedly led to China being a beneficiary, according to a recent report. The situation in the island nation has been tumultuous since the 2018 presidential election, which saw the defeat of former President Abdulla Yameen and the rise of opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The report suggests that China’s interest in the Maldives has grown in recent years due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its potential as a hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. However, China’s relations with the Maldives were strained under Yameen’s government, which favored closer ties with India.
Since Solih’s election, however, the Maldives has pivoted towards China, much to the concern of India and the United States. Chinese companies have reportedly invested heavily in Maldives infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the international airport and the construction of a bridge connecting the capital Male to the airport island of Hulhule.
The report argues that the political instability in the Maldives has ultimately benefited China, as it has allowed Beijing to step in and offer support to the Maldives government. This has helped to strengthen China’s influence in the region and counterbalance the influence of India and the United States. Overall, the report suggests that the Maldives is a key battleground in the struggle for influence in the Indian Ocean, with China, India, and the United States all vying for strategic advantage. The political turmoil in the Maldives has created an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region, but it remains to be seen how this will play out in the long term.
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