The following is an op-ed written by Kong Xianhua, the Chinese ambassador to Maldives.
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As French Writer Victor Hugo once wrote, there is one spectacle grander than the sea: the sky; and one spectacle grander than the sky: the depths of the human soul. The Maldives has never failed to enchant me with her beauty. Day by day, I’ve come to realize that what moves me most here is not just the breathtaking nature, but the people—whose beauty shines even brighter.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua visits B. Eydhafushi on November 26, 2025. (Photo/Eydhafushi Council)
At the warm invitation of the Eydhafushi Council, my colleagues and I were honored to visit this beautiful island in Baa Atoll. We were welcomed by the heartfelt kindness of the local community, receiving us with such a grand ceremony, demonstrating the genuine friendship. From traditional Maldivian dances to the display of local tools and ways of working, we gained a vivid and authentic glimpse into the Maldives’ rich and colorful history and culture.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua visits B. Eydhafushi on November 26, 2025. (Photo/Eydhafushi Council)
Many of the tools were remarkably similar to those I used ——as a child grew up in a small village in Northeast China——when helping prepare food. These pleasant surprises reminded me of the shared roots among Asian cultures and the close bonds between China and the Maldives, the shared wisdom of our ancestors.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua attends a Cultural Night in B. Eydhafushi on December 1, 2025. (Photo/Eydhafushi Council)
At the special Cultural Night event, I was once again deeply touched by the traditional dishes, dances, and music prepared for our delegation. Dressing in Libaas and Feyli, the overwhelming hospitality we received made us feel as if we were becoming Maldivians ourselves. The charming music, the marvelous performances, and the warmth of the people together created an unforgettable evening, leaving a deep and lasting impression on my heart. We are truly grateful for the warm reception and the considerate arrangements made by all.
Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua visits the MAM Preschool – Bahiyya Campus in B. Eydhafushi on December 4, 2025. (Photo/Eydhafushi Council)
Visiting MAM Preschool—Bahiyya Campus and the Baa Atoll Education Centre, the first Government school in the atolls was an experience beyond expectations. The lovely children welcomed us with China and Maldivian flags they had made themselves. It was such a great joy to watch them dance to a Chinese song—Clearly, pandas are the stars they adore and the most popular Chinese Ambassador.