China has never attached any political conditions to aiding the Maldives, and the aid has done no harm to the country's sovereignty and independence, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi when meeting with the Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in Beijing on Friday.
Wang said that China fully respects the will of the Maldivian government. The bilateral cooperation has transcended party interests, he noted, adding that it is not affected by the change of government and does not target any third party.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sign a memorandum of understanding in Beijing, September 20, 2019. /Photo via China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sign a memorandum of understanding in Beijing, September 20, 2019. /Photo via China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The aim of the aid is to enhance Maldivian capacity for independent development, realize social and economic sustainable development, and improve people's livelihood, he added.
Shahid echoed that the alleged "debt trap" talk is ridiculous, noting that Maldives has improved its infrastructure construction, such as the China-Maldives Friendship bridge and the international airport, among others, with the help of China.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. /VCG Photo
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. /VCG Photo
The two foreign ministers agree that the China-Maldives cooperation has complementary advantages and is welcomed by the people of the two countries.
The two sides also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements after the talk.