Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called on China to boost tourism to his nation during a recent state visit. This request comes amid a diplomatic disagreement over some unflattering remarks made by Maldivian ministers about India and Prime Minister Modi. Muizzu emphasized China as the Maldives’ ‘closest’ ally during his speech at the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian province. These remarks shed light on the intricate diplomatic ties between the Maldives, China, and India.
Maldives President Mohamed Muzizzu Relation With India
President Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where Muizzu highlighted the importance of India as a crucial partner. Despite expressing this significance, Muizzu has consistently conveyed his desire for Indian troops to leave the Maldives, even going so far as to cancel the hydrographic agreement with India.
The shifting positions and increased engagement with Beijing indicate a notable change in the Maldives’ foreign policy. While India has been a reliable first responder during crises such as the 2004 Tsunami, the 2014 Male water crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic, recent disparaging remarks by certain government officials have led to calls for boycotting the Maldives, a nation heavily dependent on tourism.
President Muizzu faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic relations to prevent further strain with India. A deterioration in India-Maldives ties could adversely impact the recovering tourism industry, which has already suffered significant losses due to the pandemic.
China’s Impact on Maldives Tourism
Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu, who is at loggerheads with India, has requested China to send as many tourists as possible. Muizzju, who is on a visit to China, has made this appeal to China after the appeal by Indians to boycott Maldives. Muizzu did not use this move to defeat the Indians just like that.
In fact, tourists are, in a way, a secret weapon for China which it uses to help countries that are in tune with Beijing. At the same time, to teach a lesson to the countries that oppose China, China imposes many restrictions on its citizens from going there.
China has used this powerful weapon against many countries including Taiwan and South Korea. This move by Maldives and China may increase tension for India in the coming days. Currently, most of the tourists visiting Maldives are Indians but China can change this.
Crores of Chinese people used to travel around the world every year before Corona. Chinese tourists spent a lot, resulting in millions of dollars in profits for those countries. After Corona, the Chinese government imposed many restrictions and the tourists there reduced their travel abroad.
This dealt a big blow to countries like Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Travel experts say that Chinese tourists can once again go out to tour the world in the year 2024.
According to the report of Fortune Magazine, this is the reason why tourist places around the world are preparing to welcome Chinese tourists. Due to Corona, till now Chinese tourists have been given priority to traveling within their own country.
Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu said Tourists are China’s secret weapon
Around the globe, countries eagerly welcome tourists from China, but little do they know that China has a secret weapon – its tourists. Back in 2017, when South Korea decided to deploy the powerful THAAD missile defense system, China strongly opposed it. The retaliation was swift – China halted its citizens’ travel to South Korea.
This move caused a whopping 40% drop in Chinese tourists visiting South Korea, who made up half of the total tourist influx. The impact was devastating for South Korea’s tourism industry.
In 2020, China wielded this secret weapon again, this time against Taiwan, resulting in a 60% decline in Chinese tourists. This tactic serves as China’s way of teaching a lesson to its rival countries, showcasing the power of its influence through the strategic use of tourism.
What is the condition of tourists from India and China in Maldives?
According to the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives and Maldives President, India will be the top tourist market for Maldives in the year 2023. The highest number of Indian tourists arrived in Maldives at 209,198 in the year 2023. After this, Russia and China were in third place with 187,118 tourists. Even in the year 2022, India was the biggest tourist destination for Maldives.
Whereas China was not even in the top three. If we talk about before Corona, China was on top and 2.80 lakh Chinese tourists had come to visit Maldives. The President of Maldives has appealed to China to send more tourists to Maldives so that it becomes the top tourist market again.
This will boost the tourism-based economy of Maldives and reduce their dependence on India. However, there is a big problem in Maldives’ plan. China is currently not in the condition it was in in 2019. China’s economy is gasping. In such a situation, it remains to be seen how many tourists from China would like to come to Maldives located so far away. According to the current trend, more tourists from China are going to nearby countries.
Conclusion:
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is navigating complex diplomatic waters, seeking China’s support amid strained relations with India. The reliance on tourism, especially from India, is evident, prompting a plea for more Chinese tourists. However, China’s economic challenges and shifting global travel trends pose uncertainties for this plan.
The strategic use of tourism as a diplomatic tool by China adds an intriguing layer to the dynamics. As Maldives aims to diversify its tourist sources, the delicate balance of diplomatic ties and economic considerations adds an interesting twist to the story, highlighting the interconnected nature of global politics and tourism.
