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Ex-Foreign Min accuses China of 'land grabbing' in Maldives

Former foreign minister Ahmed Naseem, under Mohamed Nasheed's administration, has criticized incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government while accusing China of grabbing lands possibly to erect military bases in Maldives.

According to Naseem the Asian powerhouse nation can create military bases across Maldives islands that may in turn destabilize the Indian Ocean region.

Naseem was quoted by the The Tribune, India to which he had previously given interviews regarding the seemingly waning ties between the two south-Asian neighbors.

While answering to a question from The Tribune that discussed the growing ties between China and Maldives, Naseem said "We have an agreement to not do anything that compromises national security of one another. Without any consultations, Maldives is giving land to China which could be converted into military bases."

"China is grabbing land everywhere and has 16 islands in Maldives today. If one country is able to dominate through predatory territorial policies, it is detrimental to free trade and security of the entire Indian Ocean," Naseem added furthermore.

Naseem who once was a member of the Foreign Investment Bureau when current president Abdulla Yameen used to be then government's Trade Minister, had urged India to step up to intervene with Maldives allowing China to eventually seize control of the Indian Ocean region.

"It [China erecting military bases in Maldives' islands] will be detrimental to Indian security. India needs to put its foot down and say this is not acceptable to us… India has a major role to play in restoration of democracy in Maldives," Naseem said.