China woos Maldives
China has taken an immediate interest in the Maldive Islands – a group of small atolls in the Indian Ocean west of Ceylon, which achieved independence from Britain a few days ago. While many countries are barely aware of the existence of the Maldives because of their isolation and many have to take formal steps as yet about recognising this newly independent country, China became one of the first not only to announce recognition but to make fanfare about it.
Messages of greetings and congratulations have been sent by Chairman Liu Shao-chi and Premier Chou En-lai to the Sultan and the Prime Minister of the Maldives. In his message to Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir, Mr. Chou prays for the success of the people of the Maldives “in their efforts to oppose imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism, safeguard national independence and build their country.” In his message of greetings to his counterpart in the Maldives, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Marshal Chen-yi, said, “I hope that China’s recognition will lead to further development of relations between our two countries”.
