26 Sep 2018, 9:00 AM
China respects the choice made by people in the Maldives and hopes the country can maintain stability and development, a foreign ministry spokesman said Tuesday following the recent presidential election.
Geng Shuang made the comments at a regular press briefing, in response to a question about China’s expectations for the future development of ties between the two countries.
“The Chinese side congratulates the Maldives on the smooth holding of the presidential election and Mr. Solih on his election as the President,” said Geng. “We respect the choice made by the people in the Maldives and hope that the Maldives can maintain stability and development. China and the Maldives enjoy traditional friendship.”
President Abdulla Yameen, who conceded defeat to opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, sought closer ties with Beijing and it was widely reported that his exit would be a blow to China because of its heavy financing of projects.
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