Maldives wants to ‘rid itself of excessive Indian influence’
Ties between India and the Maldives are under pressure because of China’s growing footprint.
14 Aug 2018, 9:00 AM
The Maldives wants to rid itself of excessive Indian influence and maximize its interests by developing diplomatic ties with all major powers, Chinese state media said Sunday.
A curious editorial in the Global Times said the Maldives’ request for the withdrawal of the helicopters and personnel was an embodiment of such a desire and sent an important message to all major powers in the Indo-Pacific region.
“New Delhi has long regarded the South Asian island nation as its backyard and sphere of influence, with a strong desire to tighten its grip on the capital city of Malé and exclude other countries’ influence,” said the Beijing-based tabloid.
“As an independent sovereign country, the island republic increasingly desires to rid itself of excessive Indian influence and maximize its interests by developing diplomatic ties with all major powers.”
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