The government would not allow China to dictate the internal affairs of the archipelago despite the regional power funding major development projects in the Maldives, chief government lawmaker Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik said Monday.
Speaking during a program on government aligned private television station Channel 13, the Villimale MP accused previous governments of allowing clauses in the loan and aid agreements giving license to foreign influence in the internal matters of the island nation.
However, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom would not allow outside influence despite securing billions in foreign aid to fund the government's ambitious infrastructure development plans.
"None of the loan agreements, not in any footnote or carbon copy contain even a letter that would undermine the religious beliefs or sovereignty of the country," Nihan stressed.
Nihan also insisted that the Maldives must put down the "friends of everyone" name tag and look to strengthen relations with nations willing to genuinely aid the development of the country.
China has funded major infrastructure development in the Maldives, including the nation’s main airport and the ongoing landmark bridge project connecting capital Male with airport island Hulhule.
The Link Road connecting the island wards of southernmost Addu atoll had also been developed with China’s free aid.
Moreover, several Chinese private firms continue to invest in the tourism and construction sectors of the archipelago, especially in the reclaimed suburb Hulhumale.
Maldives' continued ties with China had made neighbouring India apprehensive which had sparked rumours of China building a military base in the strategically strong island nation.
