Maldives opposition raises alarm over Chinese military operations under the guise of agriculture project
- In Reports
- 05:36 PM, Apr 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has voiced concerns, alleging that a Chinese company tasked with a significant agricultural project on Uthuru Thila Falhu island may also engage in Chinese military activities. MDP's Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail highlighted the geopolitical implications associated with this development.
Fayyaz Ismail, the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), expressed his concerns, stating that the Chinese company's activities on Uthuru Thila Falhu island are not solely focused on agricultural endeavors.
According to reports from Male-based news organisation Adhadhu, Ismail highlighted the proximity of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) harbour to the project site, suggesting that the company may be involved in military activities associated with a larger foreign country.
Fayyaz's assertions coincide with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's efforts to diminish Indian presence in the archipelago. Muizzu recently declared that no Indian troops would remain in Maldives, even in civilian attire. Since assuming office in November last year, Muizzu has implemented several anti-Indian policies, thereby providing China with increased influence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Following his inaugural visit to China in January, Muizzu permitted a Chinese research vessel to dock at Male. Concerns arose regarding the vessel's potential mapping of the Indian Ocean seabed, a strategic area where China and India vie for dominance.
The opposition leader confirmed reports that the Chinese research vessel has been conducting underwater mapping activities in Maldivian territorial waters over the past few months. The MDP chairman accused the Muizzu administration of inviting China, a distant superpower, into the region, thereby jeopardising the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean.
Indian geostrategist Brahma Chellaney warned in January that China is aggressively mapping the Indian Ocean bed to enhance submarine operations, with the Maldives increasingly facilitating such activities under its new pro-China president.
In March, Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone (MIDF) inked an MoU with China's Harbour Engineering Company for a significant agriculture project on Uthuru Thila Falhu after land reclamation, located close to India.
The MoU between MIDF and China Harbour Engineering aims to establish an Agricultural Economic Zone in the Maldives. However, opposition leaders raise concerns, alleging the Chinese company's involvement in military activities rather than tree planting.
China Harbour Engineering, known for land reclamation, was involved in Sri Lanka's Hambantota port development, later taken over by Beijing due to debt issues. In 2018, Bangladesh blacklisted the firm for bribery allegations.
Operating under a special commission overseen by China's State Council, China Harbour Engineering faces accusations of direct military ties. The US reportedly took action against the company in 2020 for land reclamation projects in the South China Sea.
Image source: India Today
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