China reiterated its support for the Maldives in upholding its sovereignty as the initial group of Indian military personnel overseeing helicopter operations departed the island nation, being replaced by a civilian crew.
Reports from Maldivian media indicated that Indian military personnel managing helicopter operations concluded their tenure and transferred responsibilities to an Indian civilian team before leaving the Maldives.
In response to inquiries regarding the withdrawal of the first batch of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin stated that while he lacked specific details, China remains committed to supporting the Maldives in defending its sovereignty and engaging with other nations on equal terms.
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, known for his pro-China stance, asserted that no Indian military personnel, including those in civilian attire, would remain within the country past May 10.
Following Muizzu's request, India agreed to withdraw approximately 90 military personnel from the Maldives and replace them with civilians while continuing helicopter and aircraft operations for humanitarian and medical evacuation purposes.
Muizzu's administration permitted a sophisticated Chinese 'research ship' to dock in Male. Additionally, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) recently inked a pact with China's military, through which China pledged to provide 'non-lethal' weapons to the Maldives at no cost.
During Muizzu's visit to China in January, both nations announced the enhancement of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, along with signing 20 agreements aimed at bolstering Maldives' infrastructure.
China also pledged a USD 130 million grant and vowed to increase Chinese tourist arrivals in the Maldives, responding to Muizzu's call to diversify tourism sources and reduce reliance on Indian visitors, who have been predominant in recent years.
