Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Zhang Lizhong on Saturday, countered Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed's commentary over the geopolitical standings within the Indian Ocean.
I feel leaders are able to fullfill his decent job in commending one's partner without comparing another partner. We develop ties with the countries in Indian Ocean on Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence & will continue to make contributions. @MohamedNasheed @ibusolih https://t.co/YP4ZrbRPsn— Amb. Zhang Lizhong (@AmbassadorZhang) February 29, 2020
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong tweets regarding Speaker Nasheed's statements. PHOTO: TWITTERThe tweet defending China's stance, was made in response to Nasheed's remarks made at the India Ideas Conclave 2020. Speaking at the event, Nasheed compared India and China, accusing the latter superpower of treating Indian Ocean states differently.
"We do not see how India's actions have ever been a threat to the Maldives or any of its neighbours. India has always respected our sovereignty and always treated us as equals, however small we are", said the Speaker.
Heated exchanges have taken place between the Ambassador and Nasheed in the past as well. At its peak, Lizhong held Nasheed guilty of relaying "unsubstantial information" as well as "overstating" Maldives' debt to China.
On various occasions, Nasheed has accused China of setting debt traps in an effort to gain control of the South East Asian region. While several experts in the region believe this to be true, the Chinese government has consistently maintained its denial of the matter.
The two were most recently seen this February at the 'Coral Festival' hosted by the Maldives Coral Insititute, the discussions of which was chaired by its founder, Nasheed himself.