In an effort to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to embark on his first state visit to China from January 8 to 12. With this visit under close watch by India, analysts are urging the country to refrain from adopting a zero-sum mindset or Cold War mentality when assessing China's collaborations with South Asian countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended an invitation to President Muizzu, and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced the details on Friday. This visit will mark President Muizzu's first state visit to a foreign country since taking office. During the visit, President Muizzu and President Xi will engage in formal talks, attend a signing ceremony for cooperative agreements, and participate in a welcome ceremony and banquet. Further meetings will also be held with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

China-Maldives relations have flourished over the past decade with joint efforts in building the Belt and Road Initiative and various areas of practical cooperation. Wang Wenbin, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, highlighted the deepening traditional friendship between the two nations and expressed optimism that the visit would further elevate bilateral relations to new heights. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, emphasized President Muizzu's enthusiasm to strengthen practical cooperation with China, particularly aligning the Maldives' national development strategy with the BRI.

The significance of Muizzu's decision to visit China before India, breaking away from the typical tradition in Maldivian politics, has drawn attention from Indian media. Since 2008, each Maldivian president has chosen India as their first destination after assuming office. This departure from tradition has sparked discussions regarding potential shifts in regional dynamics. However, experts emphasize that Muizzu's foreign policy should not be viewed as favoring any specific nation as his amicable stance towards China is rooted in the fruitful bilateral collaborations between the two countries.

India's reaction to China's growing influence in South Asia has been a subject of scrutiny. Long Xingchun, a professor at the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, criticized India's tendency to view South Asia as its sphere of influence and disregard the sovereignty of other countries. Long highlighted the importance of small nations like the Maldives seeking cooperation with various countries, including India and China.

Some within India perceive China's deepening ties with South Asian countries as a zero-sum game between China and India, viewing it as a threat to India's traditional influence. Experts argue that such a Cold War mentality is outdated and highlights the narrow-mindedness of certain Indian politicians and media. Instead, they urge India to adopt a more open-minded approach to China's cooperation with other Asian nations.

As President Muizzu's state visit to China draws nearer, the region eagerly anticipates the outcome, hoping that it will further strengthen cooperation between the Maldives and China while encouraging a more inclusive and collaborative approach among South Asian countries.

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