Opposition coalition backed presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assured the growing ties between Maldives and China will remain intact.
Responding to queries on a RaajjeTV program, the opposition presidential hopeful stressed on importance of maintaining close ties with foreign 'partners', and noted China was a great ally that has assisted significantly in the infrastructural and economical development of the island nation. However, Solih assured all unlawful business propositions or contracts will be reviewed and necessary actions will be taken with regards to existing foreign investment projects.
In addition to keeping the bond strong with the Asian powerhouse, Solih also focused on retaining the strong ties established with Arab league giant Saudi Arabia. According to Solih Maldives will continue enjoying the strong alliance with the two nations even after a possible regime change.
"China is a great contributor to Maldives with regards to infrastructural and economical development and we acknowledge it, so we do not wish to strain the relationship established with the country at any means," Solih said.
The opposition candidate assured assigning foreign policies under their administration in ways ensuring solidification of bonds between existing allies, as well as establishing reconciliation with nations that Maldives have severed ties with. Solih also asserted the foreign policies will ensure safety and security within the Indian Ocean channel.
Maldives will relief itself of employing discriminating tactics towards other nations, and will work alongside any country willing to extend their assistance to the island nation, according to Solih.
Interestingly the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP), to which Solih belongs as well, leader Mohamed Nasheed continuously reiterated his stance towards the growing ties between Maldives and China.
Nasheed on multiple occasions criticized the Asian giant for its foreign policies while he lambasted current administration for leaning itself towards China while seemingly severing ties with neighboring India.
Incumbent president Abdulla Yameen has attracted mounting criticism from several key opposition political figures over Maldives government gradually leaning towards Beijing while distancing itself from New Delhi.
Tensions between the South-Asian neighbors became all the more noticeable during the February 1 Supreme Court and its subsequent following of a second state of emergency on February 5 under president Abdulla Yameen's administration.
Indian government advised Maldives to uphold the Supreme Court's orders and show compliance to it by releasing the nine political leaders. During this period former president Mohamed Nasheed had requested from Indian government to dispatch envoys with military presence to intervene.
However, Beijing stepped in and short warnings at New Delhi to stay away from internal affairs of Maldives. This added more to the already intensifying tension between India and Maldives, despite the latter continuously assuring its public that it was enjoying a close bond with New Delhi.
