'Strongly opposes' external inference into Maldives: China

Beijing: China stated on Thursday that it strongly opposes external forces interfering in Maldives' internal affairs. China added that it backs the Island nation in upholding its sovereignty and independence, PTI reported.

"The two sides agree to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their respective core interests," a joint statement issued at the end of Muizzu's talks with Chinese leaders said.

"China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives' exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives," it said.

The statement comes at a time when the Maldives, headed by Muizzu, who is regarded as a pro-Beijing leader, was involved in a diplomatic row with India over derogatory statements made by three Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to a spate of cancellation of reservations of Indian tourists to Maldives.

Muizzu suspended the ministers with a warning not to make such remarks.

For its part, Maldives said in the joint statement that it is "firmly committed to the one-China principle, recognising that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory." It added that the Maldives "opposes any statement or action that undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan."

"The Maldives opposes external interference in China's internal affairs under any pretext and supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification," it said.