Ahead of the summit, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, reflected in the People’s Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China, on the enduring significance of the “Shanghai Spirit”. He described it as encompassing mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilisations, and the pursuit of common development. Ambassador Kong highlighted the longstanding friendly exchanges between China and the Maldives, reviewed current achievements in bilateral cooperation, and outlined a vision for continued shared growth, noting that these efforts exemplify the Shanghai Spirit in action.

The Maldives, a valued dialogue partner of the SCO, is celebrated for its natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Ambassador Kong observed that over decades, China and the Maldives have nurtured a friendship grounded in sincerity, mutual trust, and mutual assistance. He emphasised that the two nations have acted as partners in development and companions on the path to shared prosperity, with relations continuing to reach new heights in recent years.

Since establishing diplomatic ties more than fifty years ago, China and the Maldives have consistently treated each other with respect and offered mutual support. The Ambassador highlighted President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Maldives in September 2014 as a landmark moment. The Maldives was among the first countries to respond to and benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative. Signature projects such as the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge, which ended the country’s history of having no bridges, the Hulhumalé Social Housing Project, which provided affordable homes for many families, and the expansion of Velana International Airport, which strengthened the tourism sector, stand as tangible symbols of the nations’ shared journey.

Ambassador Kong emphasised that these projects represent more than physical infrastructure; they embody trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations between the peoples of China and the Maldives. He also recalled the historical dimension of bilateral exchanges, noting that as early as the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese navigator Zheng He visited the Maldives twice, while Maldivian King Yusouf sent envoys to China on three occasions. Artefacts, including ancient Chinese porcelain and coins now displayed in the National Museum of Malé, attest to the enduring links established through the Maritime Silk Road.

President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to China in January 2024 further strengthened bilateral relations. During his visit to Fujian Province, he gained insight into China’s development under President Xi Jinping. The two leaders reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative.

Pursuing common development remains central to China–Maldives cooperation. In recent years, bilateral relations have grown steadily, and practical cooperation has advanced across multiple sectors. In 2024, the two heads of state elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, committing to build a China–Maldives community with a shared future and charting a new course for collaboration.

China continues to be the leading source of foreign tourists to the Maldives, with increasing numbers of visitors drawn to the nation’s islands. Key ongoing projects, including the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimalé and the Malé and Villimalé Road Redevelopment Project, further demonstrate the breadth and depth of bilateral cooperation. The China–Maldives Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 1 January 2025, provides institutional support for trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation. Cooperation extends to sectors such as nursery development, fisheries, healthcare, culture, and sport, while opportunities in green, blue, and digital economies, as well as modern agriculture, remain promising.

Ambassador Kong also highlighted the SCO’s strength in providing a platform for equal dialogue among nations of all sizes. Within the SCO framework, all members are treated as equals, engaging in discussion, pursuing cooperation, and addressing shared challenges. China and the Maldives, as fellow developing countries, share similar perspectives on international and regional affairs. They maintain close coordination in multilateral forums, work to uphold multilateralism, and aim to safeguard the interests of developing nations, while promoting a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous world.

The Ambassador concluded by noting that China–Maldives friendship continues to flourish. He emphasised that China remains committed to supporting the Maldives in safeguarding national independence and sovereignty, exploring development paths suited to the country’s circumstances, and sharing the opportunities offered by Chinese modernisation. This, he suggested, will allow the Maldives, often described as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, to shine even brighter on the global stage.