Maldives government on Sunday moved quickly to deny China was grabbing land in Maldives that can be turned into military bases.
Former Maldives foreign minister Ahmed Naseem in an interview with India's 'The Tribune' had claimed that China had "grabbed" 16 islands in the Maldives that it intends to convert into military bases.
While answering to a question from The Tribune that discussed the growing ties between China and Maldives, Naseem who served in self-exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed's cabinet 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
In response to the claims, Maldives home ministry in a statement vehemently denied the accusations insisting that the government would not undermine the peace and stability of the country or the region.
The statement had also urged against inflammatory claims that could undermine the friendly bilateral relations Maldives has established with countries throughout the globe.
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.
