In today’s interconnected, interdependent world, the notion of a sovereign nation expanding its sphere of interest should not be surprising. It is very possible for a global citizen to drive a car from Japan, go on holiday in an Airbus aeroplane built by 10 countries, invest their savings in a bank from Singapore and work in a Qatari owned office block. This is of course part of any sensible country’s outward looking investment plan.
Yet there is anomaly when it comes to what is ‘acceptable’ in terms of foreign investment. When any country decides to accept Chinese investment, or god-forbid, request it, those in the West seem to take this as an attack on their very existence. They begin preaching about how terrible this is for that sovereign nation and hostility ensues.
Sovereignty aside, Chinese investment is often seen as the antithesis to Western investment. But, can a country not look to both the East and the West? What about investment from those to the North or South?
The Maldives geographically straddles the giant economies of the West, India and the Asian giants to the East. Clearly, the country is a strategically important nation in the Indian Ocean. Given its size, Maldivian influence is limited. Therefore, when the Maldives receives Chinese investment and development assistance, criticism always seems to be part of the wider anti-China narrative.
It is clear that this pattern of criticism points to a vulnerability that those in the West feel about their own position in the world – a direct challenge to the status quo. Inversely, what is best for the Maldives as a nation falls to the wayside.
The narrative over Chinese investment in the Maldives consistently portrays the fabricated view that no other country could ever invest again; that China has invaded. It is the same, tired tale repeated when it comes to Chinese investment in Africa or South America.
This scare mongering has found fertile ground amongst conspiracy theorists who see Chinese investment in the Maldives as a rebuke to India. This is deeply simplistic. India has always been the primary partner of the Maldives.The bilateral relationship- ranging from security to health to trade- was reaffirmed this year. President Yameen travelled to India in April followed by the Foreign Minister’s visit in August. Relations remain open, cordial and fruitful. Cooperation on security, intelligence and trade continues.Increased Chinese investment in the Maldives has not done away with “India First”.
Feuds between any two rival nations shouldn’t be used as a tool to restrict a third nation’s relationship with its friends. What is wrong with having investment, making trade deals, and exchanging beliefs and ideas with a broad spectrum of nations? If the West really believes in the notion of sovereignty, they must encourage small nations like the Maldives to diversify their source of investment and trade. This kind of divergence does not need to come at the expense of established relationships.
There has never been nefarious activity related to the increase in Chinese investment in the Maldives. Yes, Male’ is a key port in China’s Maritime Silk Road project. But if their interest in the strategic location of the Maldives leads to much-needed infrastructure investment, why is this negative for the Maldives?
It is essential that the Maldives improves its infrastructure, especially in the tourist sector. Tourism is the biggest contributor to the Maldivian economy and the sector remains in rude health. Much of the required infrastructure is indeed being built or financed by Chinese companies. For example, the project to build a bridge to connect Male’ and its international airport. China EXIM bank have also provided financing for other key projects
So, in order to accommodate the growing number of tourists, new and improved infrastructure is needed. China is helping to do this. But they are not the only ones; the airport expansion is contracted to a construction company from Saudi Arabia. The Kulhudhuffushi Harbour is being expanded by the Asian Development Bank. Brand new roads are being built on Hulhumale’ by an Indian construction company, and a water management system has been developed by USAID on Hinnavaru island.
Clearly, the Maldives knows that increased investment and financing from China does not mean the end of the road for other nations seeking to invest in, and maintain ties with, the Maldives.
We live in an ever-expanding, ever-closer world. New relationships are continuously forming.Those in the West who insist on damning any nation that looks East, would do well to reassess why this is so bothersome to them.
The Maldives, like many other developed nations, will no doubt continue to seek investment and financing from China. They will also continue to partner with India, the Gulf nations and the rest of Asia. The West should not see this as a reason to stop their own investment. Rather, they should see this as a positive sign that the Maldives is quickly integrating into the global economy - a cause for celebration, not condemnation.
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Editor’s Note: This article is written by Dr. Abdulla Khaleel. He holds a PhD in Public Policy. He is the Member of Parliament for Nilandhoo Constituency and a Council Member of the Progressive Party of the Maldives. He is @abkhaleel on Twitter.
