China says its cooperation with the Maldives will not be disrupted by any third party as the island nation grows closer to its East Asian partner.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday that Beijing is committed to working with the Maldives to build a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
She said that normal cooperation between China and the Maldives does not target any third party and will not be disrupted by any third party.
This comes after the Maldives signed an agreement with China on the latter's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties earlier this week.
The Defense Ministry said it signed an agreement with Beijing Monday “on China’s provision of military assistance” and that the deal would foster “stronger bilateral ties,” according to a post on social media site X.
Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the People's Republic of China Major General Zhang Baoqun signed on behalf of China while Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon signed on behalf of the Maldives.
