China: No preconditions to build military base in Maldives

The Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Zhang Lizhong, has said that China has no intentions of building a Chinese military base in the Maldives nor it is a precondition for continued cooperation.

The remarks come after the Maldivian Defence Minister, Mariya Ahmed Didi said that it would take a Chinese military base in the Maldives to continue the friendly military cooperation between the Maldives and China.

He said that China and Maldives have maintained friendly military cooperation and exchange of visits and China has provided dozens of training opportunities to MNDF personnel annually. The Ambassador also noted that donation of the fully-equipped sea ambulance for rescue and medical purposes.

The Chinese Ambassador said that the Maldivian coast guard also provide assistance to the Chinese tourists in emergency and the friendly military cooperation is an important part of our all-round bilateral cooperation.