Maldivian govt. slams interference with China’s internal affairs amid US row

The Maldivian government, on Tuesday, has reaffirmed its strict adherence to the One China Policy, recognizing People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the entirety of China and Taiwan as an integral part of Chinese territory, amid escalating tensions between China and the United States following Washington’s announcement of over USD 10 million in arms sales to Taiwan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maldivian Foreign Ministry said has consistently upheld the One China Policy since the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1972, reflecting Maldives’ enduring commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual respect. 

The Ministry added that the historical stance demonstrates the Maldives belief in the importance of non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful coexistence of nations.

“The Maldives expresses its concern over actions by some parties that seek to undermine these principles and interfere in the internal matters of sovereign states,” the statement read.

It added that Maldives remains committed to strengthening its long-standing friendship and partnership with China, based on trust, mutual benefit, and shared aspirations for peace and sustainable development.

The statement comes amidst escalating tensions between China and the United States following Washington’s announcement of over USD 10 million in arms sales to Taiwan earlier this month.

If approved by Congress, the deal would become the largest US arms package ever proposed for Taiwan, surpassing the total USD 8.4 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan under President Joe Biden’s Democratic administration.

China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, warning that it would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the United States, seriously undermine China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and threaten regional stability.

Notably, China began military exercises around Taiwan on Monday, mobilizing air, naval, and rocket forces in drills that the military said were intended to assess combat readiness and issue a “stern warning” to “separatist” elements and “external interference.”

Taiwan is a self-governed territory whose political status is disputed between Taipei and Beijing.