A Retrospective View on Growing Proximity between Maldives and China and India’s Concerns
- September-October 2024 |
- Strategic Analysis
Volume:48
Issue: 5
Research Article
Abstract
China’s pursuit of its strategic ambitions and the Maldives’ economic and developmental aspirations have led the two geographically distant and asymmetric countries to strengthen bilateral ties. This article argues that the evolving relationship has yielded mutual benefits, yet presents challenges, particularly for the Maldives, albeit with limited concern among the local populace. The implications of China-Maldives relations are a matter of political debate. Despite the tendency of a section of Maldivian ruling elites to use China to reduce India’s influence, India has advantages in the Maldives over China in terms of geographic proximity and at the popular level.
