China and Maldives Ink New Military Deal, As India Prepares An Exit

Amid evolving dynamics in the Indian Ocean region, reports from Malé indicate that the Maldives and China have signed two military agreements. These agreements signify a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly amidst strained interactions between the Maldives and India.

The agreements were formalized in a ceremony where documents were exchanged between Ghassan Maumoon, the Minister of Defence for the Maldives, and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China.

According to reports from Maldivian media, one of the agreements involves China committing to providing military assistance to the Maldives at no cost. Although the specifics of this assistance remain undisclosed, China’s gesture indicates a deepening of military and strategic collaboration between the two nations. The Maldives’ Defence Ministry has not yet disclosed the details of this aid, leading to speculation regarding its nature and scope.

In addition, another agreement was signed regarding the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which has recently been active in the Maldives, as reported by Maldivian media. This agreement has the potential to impact maritime research in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.

These agreements come at a crucial time when the Maldives’ relationship with India seems to be cooling. The increased engagement of the Muizzu government with China indicates a strategic shift, potentially altering the balance of power and influence in the region. Given its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives plays a significant role in maritime security and trade routes.

The newly established military agreements between China and the Maldives symbolize more than just written documents; they reflect the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean. As the Maldives strengthens its military and strategic connections with China, the ramifications of this partnership are expected to extend beyond the boundaries of the two nations, shaping regional power dynamics in the future.

There is apprehension within the Maldives regarding the lack of transparency surrounding China’s military assistance. The absence of detailed public information fuels concerns about the nature and extent of military cooperation and its potential implications for the Maldives’ sovereignty and autonomy. Some fear that excessive reliance on China could lead to a debt trap or compromise the Maldives’ ability to make independent policy decisions, echoing concerns observed in other regions where China has significantly expanded its investment and influence.