Maldives to receive "non-lethal' weapons from China under new deal

President Mohamed Muizzu announced that the Maldives will get free “non-lethal” military gear and training from China’s military as part of a recently signed agreement with Beijing, emphasizing that this will further reinforce the island nation’s autonomy and independence in the Indian Ocean.

Muizzu also had separate meetings with Major General Zhang Baoqun, the Deputy Director of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation, and Ren Shengjun, the President of the Export-Import Bank of China.

Major General Zhang and Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon signed a military assistance agreement, the Maldives Ministry of Defense stated earlier on Monday. It did not, however, provide any new information.

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“To obtain the different forms of training required by the Maldives’ military, and to be granted various non-lethal military equipment free of charge, that is what this agreement is about. This will increase the technical capacity of the defence forces,” Muizzu told the media.

“We will then be able to further strengthen the defence forces. These things are being done so that we can stand on our own two feet so that we can have our autonomy and independence,” he added.

The president of the Maldives stated that non-lethal weapons would consist of pepper spray, tear gas, and other such weapons.

Meanwhile, Ren Shengjun made Muizzu a courtesy call on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the President’s office.

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In the statement, Muizzu emphasized the tight links between China and the Maldives, pointing out that the latter receives significant help from EXIM Bank.

“Furthermore, the President highlighted several key developmental initiatives from China to the Maldives, including the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and several social housing projects,” the statement added.

The Maldives’ early involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative was appreciated, and the President of EXIM China emphasized the historical links, mutual respect, and collaboration between China and the Maldives during the conference.

The statement stated that Muizzu and Ren Shengjun closed the discussion with a reaffirmed commitment for future engagements, and that Ren underlined the EXIM China’s readiness to create good cooperation with the Maldives.

The President’s Office released a statement stating that on Tuesday evening, Major General Zhang Baoqun made President Muizzu a courtesy call in the President’s Office.

“The President expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of China for its continued support and assistance to the Maldives. President Dr Muizzu and Major General Zhang Baoqun held comprehensive discussions on strategic partnerships and enhancing defence cooperation between the Republic of the Maldives and China,” the statement said.

It further stated that President Muizzu and Major General Zhang expressed excitement for future cooperation and partnerships as the courtesy call came to a successful conclusion.

The Maldives and China have increased their military ties after President Muizzu declared that no Indian military personnel—not even those dressed in civilian clothes—would be inside his nation after May 10.

Muizzu’s remarks come less than a week after an Indian civilian team, well in advance of the two countries’ March 10 deadline for the removal of Indian military personnel, arrived in the Maldives to assume command of one of the three aircraft platforms in the island nation.

Seen as a pro-China politician, Muizzu took office as president of the Maldives on November 17 and shortly afterward asked India to remove 88 military soldiers from his nation by March 15. He said that the Maldivians had given him a “strong mandate” to make this request to New Delhi.

In September of last year, Muizzu, 45, ousted incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was friendly with India, in the presidential runoff. In January, Muizzu made his first state visit to a foreign nation, traveling to Beijing where he was received by Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other dignitaries. Formerly, New Delhi was the destination of the first foreign visit for newly elected Maldivian presidents.