Op-ed: To the people who outshine the view - My Maldivian dairy on the day and night in Eydhafushi

The following is an op-ed written by Kong Xianhua, the Chinese ambassador to Maldives.

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As French Writer Victor Hugo once wrote, there is one spectacle grander than the sea: the sky; and one spectacle grander than the sky: the depths of the human soul. The Maldives has never failed to enchant me with her beauty. Day by day, I’ve come to realize that what moves me most here is not just the breathtaking nature, but the people—whose beauty shines even brighter.

At the warm invitation of the Eydhafushi Council, my colleagues and I were honored to visit this beautiful island in Baa Atoll. We were welcomed by the heartfelt kindness of the local community, receiving us with such a grand ceremony, demonstrating the genuine friendship. From traditional Maldivian dances to the display of local tools and ways of working, we gained a vivid and authentic glimpse into the Maldives’ rich and colorful history and culture.

Many of the tools were remarkably similar to those I used ——as a child grew up in a small village in Northeast China——when helping prepare food. These pleasant surprises reminded me of the shared roots among Asian cultures and the close bonds between China and the Maldives, the shared wisdom of our ancestors.

At the special Cultural Night event, I was once again deeply touched by the traditional dishes, dances, and music prepared for our delegation. Dressing in Libaas and Feyli, the overwhelming hospitality we received made us feel as if we were becoming Maldivians ourselves. The charming music, the marvelous performances, and the warmth of the people together created an unforgettable evening, leaving a deep and lasting impression on my heart. We are truly grateful for the warm reception and the considerate arrangements made by all.

Visiting MAM Preschool—Bahiyya Campus and the Baa Atoll Education Centre, the first Government school in the atolls was an experience beyond expectations. The lovely children welcomed us with China and Maldivian flags they had made themselves. It was such a great joy to watch them dance to a Chinese song—Clearly, pandas are the stars they adore and the most popular Chinese Ambassador.

The young students at the education center impressed us with their talent, discipline, and exemplary manners. In front of the elaborately decorated exhibition stand—— the China booth, I was truly delighted to see their great interest in China. My young Maldivian friends, you are all future ambassadors of friendship between our two nations.

At the football stadium, I saw both aspiring young players and seasoned veterans who have contributed so much to the country—training and playing alongside Chinese-made solar panels that support the community.

At the Baa Atoll Hospital, I was deeply impressed by the dedication of the doctors and nurses, their commitment to serving the people, providing medical support to the Atoll, and their admirable professionalism. You have my utmost respect and heartfelt tribute.

As the Chinese Ambassador, my foremost priority is to explore more opportunities for our two peoples, through win-win cooperation and our joint efforts, to build a community with a shared future. Through our constructive discussions with the Council members, I have the strong feeling that putting people at the center is a value deeply rooted in both our nations, from historical experience to the present day, and it will continue to guide us into the future.

It is never easy to say goodbye. As my first visit to Eydhafushi draws to a close, our friendship is only beginning to rise to new heights. To the people more beautiful than the view, I would like to say Shukureyaa to all my Maldivian friends, old and new. With your support and our combined efforts, many new and inspiring chapters of China–Maldives friendship and cooperation await us ahead.