Beijing calls for ‘home-grown’ solution

Beijing calls for ‘home-grown’ solution

Context:

• The political crisis in Maldives could lead to serious geopolitical consequences as the Yameen government is known to have friendly relations with China.
• Maldives is also a member of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiatives.
• In July 2015, Maldives had also pressed for an amendment in constitution allowing foreign ownership of freehold land amid concern that it could lead to increased Chinese military presence in the island nation.

China’s approach on the Maldives crisis:

• In this context, the Chinese foreign Minister has speeded up its efforts to find home grown solution to end crisis in Maldives, to avoid tension with India and ensure further improvement of post Doklam ties with India.
• Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Wang Yi stressed that China will not interfere in the internal affairs of Maldives. “China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives.
• It was unlikely at this stage that China will embark on active mediation to ease the situation in Maldives.
• The Chinese Foreign Minister backed the Yameen administration by saying that the “Maldives government and people have the ability and wisdom to properly resolve the current issue and restore the normalcy in the country in accordance with law”.

‘India factor’ for China’s strategy:

• China’s activism in the Maldives was significantly driven by the “India factor”. According to China, the Maldives development should not become another problem between China and India.
• Post Doklam border crisis, ties between India and China were now advancing well, and the momentum of this improvement had to be taken forward by China.
• The two visits in December to India — by Foreign Minister Wang and Politburo member Yang Jiechi — had built on the “fresh start” talks in September between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit in Xiamen.
• In a timely gesture, the Chinese side has re-opened the gates of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage for Indian travellers through Nathu La in Sikkim. The route was closed last year in the wake of the Doklam stand-off.

Conclusion:

• In this contest, China has advocated an inclusive domestic dialogue by pointing out that Beijing supported the “Maldives government to properly resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation with relevant parties and uphold the independence, sovereignty and the legitimate rights and interests of Maldives.