Set to arrive in Maldives along with First Lady Peng Liyuan and a high level delegation of government officials, expectations are high that the visit would put relations between the two countries on a new upward trajectory, with increase in cooperation in various fields and launch of new development projects. “China-Maldives relations are now on a new upward trajectory and face major opportunities. We should seize the opportunities and keep the momentum of our growing relations, boost our traditional friendship, intensify cooperation in various fields, and lift China-Maldives relations to a new height,” said President Xi in an article he wrote regarding Maldives-China relations. Political ties, economic ties and cultural ties are expected to strengthen along with an increased coordination on multilateral issues. Bilateral relations between the two countries, which can be traced back to China’s Ming Dynasty, were renewed recently with President Abdhulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s official visit to China in August. The trip was described by government officials as very successful with the Chinese government pledging 100 million Yuan (approximately MVR 250 million) in free financial aid and pledging to cover a huge part of the cost for the Male’-Hulhule’ Bridge Project as well as expressing interest in investing in seven other major development projects. The trip ended with President Yameen inviting President Xi for a visit to Maldives, which he readily accepted. Known as a string of pearls that God left in the human world and with its simple and warm-hearted people and picturesque scenery, Maldives is a magnet attracting tourists from around the world. But hearing it one hundred times from others is not as good as seeing it once, and I look forward to visiting your beautiful island country on the Indian Ocean, said President Xi. Maldives is to be the first stop made during President Xi’s visit to South Asia, upon conclusion of the 14th council meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Kazakhstan. He is set to visit India and Sri Lanka next. President’s Office revealed on Saturday that two new development projects would be launched by President Xi, though no details are available regarding what the projects are. Relations between the two countries are not altogether one sided. President Xi has requested the Maldivian government to participate in the creation of 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), aimed at improving Chinese trade in the Indian Ocean. Maldives is important to the project due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Competition between regional super powers India and China are expected to go on overdrive with President Xi’s visit. President Yameen had been quick to smooth over ruffled feathers and said that strengthening of bilateral relations between Maldives and China would not affect relations with India. India, along with regional analysts are sure to keep a keen eye on the visit, regardless.