Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua says China’s continued development and progress will create positive opportunities not only for the Maldives but for countries around the world.
Speaking at the Chinese Embassy’s Spring Festival Reception celebrating the Year of the Horse, Ambassador Kong said China’s economic achievements, openness, and global responsibility are creating new avenues for shared prosperity.
He noted that China’s GDP has now surpassed USD 20 trillion, with the economy growing at five percent year‑on‑year, and highlighted the successful conclusion of the country’s 14th Five‑Year Plan.
Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua speaking at the Chinese Embassy’s Spring Festival Reception celebrating the Year of the Horse, February 12, 2026. (Photo/Embassy of China)
“With our own stability, China provides certainty to the world. With our openness, we create new opportunities for global development. With our sense of responsibility, we contribute to the cause of peace and progress for all humanity,” he said.
The Ambassador said China’s high‑quality development “benefits not only our people, but other countries as well,” adding that China will “always stand on the right side of history” and work with all nations to build a community with a shared future.
Ambassador Kong said relations between the Maldives and China have maintained “strong and positive momentum” over the past year, strengthened by meetings between the two heads of state and deepening political trust.
Dignitaries attend the Chinese Embassy’s Spring Festival Reception celebrating the Year of the Horse, February 12, 2026. (Photo/Embassy of China)
He said the two countries are now entering a new phase of mutual benefit, guided by the shared vision of China’s upcoming 15th Five‑Year Plan and the Resilient Maldives 2045 strategy.
“China always believes in seeing a blueprint through to the end and delivering on our commitments. I am confident that we will translate the new consensus reached by our leaders into tangible benefits for our peoples,” he said.
He highlighted progress in three major China‑aided projects:
China–Maldives Friendship Hospital  
Male'–Vilimale' Road Redevelopment Project  
Construction of 50 island council office buildings
A traditional Chinese performance at the Chinese Embassy’s Spring Festival Reception celebrating the Year of the Horse, February 12, 2026. (Photo/Embassy of China)
He also noted advancements in RMB (Renminbi) account services, local currency settlement, and cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, clean energy, medical exchanges, and youth development.
Ambassador Kong said more than 320,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives last year, reaffirming China as the Maldives’ largest tourism market. He also highlighted the largest‑ever joint meeting on tourist safety held between the two countries.
He stressed that the foundation of bilateral relations lies in the friendship between the peoples of both nations.
Maldivian students sing a song in Chinese language at the Chinese Embassy’s Spring Festival Reception celebrating the Year of the Horse, February 12, 2026. (Photo/Embassy of China)
“What stays with me even more than the beautiful scenery is the warmth and kindness of the Maldivian people, and the bright, genuine smiles of the children,” he said.
The Ambassador said China is entering a crucial year, the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China and the first year of the 15th Five‑Year Plan, and will continue advancing high‑quality development and reform.
“May China and the Maldives enjoy lasting prosperity. May the ship of China–Maldives friendship sail forward steadily and bravely through the waves,” he said, ending his speech with “Shukuriyaa.”