"If the foundation is not right, the building won't be either." This Maldivian proverb reflects the strong foundation between China and Maldives laid on sound principles. For this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Wang Guan sat down with the President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu during his first state visit since inauguration. President Muizzu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the two heads of state elevated the China-Maldives relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed 20 bilateral agreements. As one of the first countries to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Maldives is benefiting big time, with trade booming and infrastructure projects quickly expanding. Sinamalé Bridge, for example, was hailed by President Muizzu as the most iconic and transformational project in the country given its large scale and construction challenges. President Muizzu also said that climate change is real and the Maldives needs support from the international community to implement adaptation measures. Finally, he extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists to visit this cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean.