President Muizzu of the Maldives arrives in China for a closely monitored state visit

The visit to China by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between India and the Maldives following remarks made disparagingly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu landed in China on Monday and will stay for five days till January 12, according to an official announcement.During his visit, Muizzu is also expected to meet with business executives and senior Chinese government officials at the "Invest Maldives Forum," according to the presidency.

China is currently the Maldives' biggest creditor; Male owes Beijing around $1.3 billion in debt obligations. Beijing is among the nation's largest investors and economic partners; in 2017, the two governments signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Maldives has also ratified the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is supported by Beijing.