China has accused the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed of making “false remarks” about its ongoing projects in the Indian Ocean country.
Ji Rong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy here, said Mr. Nasheed’s “land grabbing” accusation against his country was meant to serve only “political purposes”.
“In recent years, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China and the Maldives have been cooperating on infrastructure and livelihood projects, which has played a positive role in transforming and upgrading the latter’s economy and improving its people’s livelihood. They have been widely welcomed by the Maldivian people. As a matter of fact, when Nasheed was the President, China and the Maldives launched cooperation projects.”
Infra projects
Mr. Nasheed in recent media reports accused China of “land-grabbing” in the garb of infrastructure projects in the Maldives. “We know that they have 17 islands now where they are talking about investing $40 million…” Mr. Nasheed said in a statement about China’s expanding role in the Maldives.
However, the spokesperson said, “These allegations are apparently groundless with no regard to facts.”
The verbal duel between Beijing and Mr. Nasheed has intensified since he called upon India to compel President Abdullah Yameen to free political opponents following the Supreme Court’s recent verdict. Subsequently, Mr. Yameen sent special envoys to China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, while India declined the offer of hosting Male’s envoy.
China has termed the current political instability in Maldives an “internal affair”.
“(It) should be properly resolved through dialogue and negotiation by various parties in the country.,” the spokesperson said.
