The following is an op-ed written by Kong Xianhua, the Chinese ambassador to Maldives.
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The Laamu Atoll Link Road is the longest highway in the Maldives. Since 2024, the “Xiamen–Laamu Marathon,” jointly organized by Xiamen City of Fujian Province, China, and Laamu Atoll, has become my reason to leave Malé for the second time since my arrival. As a running enthusiast, I was fortunate to come to the beautiful Laamu Atoll and participate in the 5km race of the “2025 Xiamen–Laamu Marathon.” The national flags of China and the Maldives fluttering in the sea breeze along the wide and smooth Laamu Link Road left a deep and vivid first impression on me of this beautiful atoll.
In Laamu, I visited the local education centre and schools, and was warmly welcomed by teachers from Kerala, India. I also received a sweet gift, chocolate donuts handmade by children from the special education class.
When I asked the students, “What do you know about China?” a little boy replied, “I know China is turning deserts into oases.”On an island nation with no deserts, I was deeply touched by the child’s wisdom and awareness of the wider world. As the Chinese Ambassador, that moment filled me with pride and strengthened my confidence in doing my work even better.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua during his visit to Laamu Atoll. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in Maldives)
Gan Island is the largest island in the Maldives. There, I met Mr. Wahaab, a hardworking and wise farmer. As I walked through his fields, I saw papayas, okra, passion fruits… and even native Maldivian bamboo. Having grown up in the countryside myself, I’ve always felt a natural closeness to the soil. Chinese tropical agriculture experts are now helping many Maldivian farmers like Mr. Wahaab to combat pests and diseases and achieve better harvests.
At the Horizon Fish Processing Factory, I gained a thorough understanding of the Maldives’ unique pole-and-line fishing technique. Riding on the momentum of the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, I hope that through our joint efforts, fish products from the beautiful Maldivian seas will soon make their way onto the dining tables of ordinary Chinese families.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua during his visit to Laamu Atoll. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in Maldives)
Golha Riha was another delightful discovery on this trip. With the patient demonstration of my local friends, I finally learned the proper way to enjoy mas huni and garudhiya — and found that mixing them together makes the flavor even richer. Both Chinese and Maldivian people share the belief that those who can sit together and share a meal are true friends.
My heartfelt thanks to my friends in Laamu. Your warmth and kindness made me feel truly at home in a foreign land. From the young lady who welcomed me with flowers at the airport, to the youngest boy runner in 5km, you all made my first visit to your beautiful atoll feel less like a first encounter and more like a reunion with old friends.
I hope one day you will have the chance to visit China — to study, to travel, and to meet the Chinese people, who are just as warm and friendly. There, you’ll find children with the same bright smiles as yours.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua during his visit to Laamu Atoll. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in Maldives)
Time flies, it's hard to believe that I've been in the Maldives for nearly half a year. These past six months have been deeply fulfilling, both in work and in life. Wherever I go, I never feel like a passerby, but rather someone who belongs here. Each day brings unexpected surprises, not only from the stunning scenery, but even more from the kindness of my Maldivian friends, who touch my heart in new ways every day.
I believe that infrastructure — bridges and roads — forms the steel and backbone of a nation’s social and economic development. Yet it is the people, especially the children, who are the soul and lifeblood of the future.
My journey to Laamu was short, but unforgettable — the clean, smooth roads, the swaying coconut trees by the sea, and the mesmerizing ocean views. Still, what moved me most were the bright, pure eyes and beautiful smiles of the children of Laamu.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua during his visit to Laamu Atoll. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in Maldives)
For our longlasting friendship, and for those beautiful smiles, we will continue to strive and run forward — toward the future, toward the shared tomorrow of the China–Maldives community of shared destiny.
Perhaps next year, I’ll try the 10-kilometer race? Until then, see you again, my friends in Laamu.