Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua has said several major China-funded projects in the Maldives are expected to enter construction by the end of this year or early next year, while highlighting growing Chinese tourist arrivals and expanding economic ties between the two countries.
Speaking at a reception in Malé marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Kong said China and the Maldives enjoy strong political mutual trust, share similar development goals and have “tremendous potential for cooperation.”
Among the projects highlighted by the ambassador was the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Vilimalé and the Malé–Vilimalé Road Redevelopment Project, both of which he said are expected to begin construction by the end of this year or early next year.
Kong also said the construction of buildings for island councils is progressing and is expected to receive project approval by the end of the year.
The three projects are among major Chinese grant-funded developments in the Maldives. The 112-bed China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Vilimalé is being developed through Chinese grant assistance, with its detailed design phase having previously been initiated following the signing of a Letter of Exchange between the two governments.
The ambassador also highlighted the Coconut Tree Pest Control Project in Hanimaadhoo, saying the project had been successfully implemented.
Kong said the projects highlighted in his remarks are fully funded through Chinese aid and would not increase the Maldives’ debt burden.
Chinese tourism continues to grow
Tourism was another major point in Kong’s speech.
He said 280,000 Chinese tourists had visited the Maldives as of September 15, representing a 13 percent increase, and said he expected resorts across the country to see more Chinese visitors during the upcoming Chinese National Day holiday.
China has historically been one of the Maldives’ largest tourism markets. In remarks earlier this year, Kong said more than 320,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives in 2025.
Kong also pointed to the planned China–Maldives Investment Cooperation Forum in October, saying it would provide businesses from both countries with a platform to explore commercial opportunities and deepen economic ties.
He identified tourism, fisheries, agriculture and economic diversification as areas where the two countries could expand cooperation, combining Chinese technology, capital and management expertise with Maldivian resources and talent.
Bridge maintenance discussed
The ambassador also addressed the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge after a drifting vessel struck the bridge earlier this month.
According to Kong, a Chinese maintenance team carried out an inspection shortly after the incident and found that the bridge remained strong enough to withstand the unexpected impact.
He said China would continue providing maintenance services and work with Maldivian engineers to safeguard the bridge.
China has also recently been preparing Maldivian engineers for training in China on bridge maintenance and related technologies. The Chinese Embassy said the training is intended to help Maldivian engineers develop expertise that can also be applied to maintaining the Friendship Bridge.
And also
Kong said people-to-people exchanges between the two countries had also increased this year, with nearly 300 Maldivians from different sectors visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese government.
He said the visits had allowed Maldivian participants to experience China’s development and modernization firsthand.
The ambassador has placed particular emphasis on exchanges and training in recent weeks. More than 50 Maldivian officials and professionals from fisheries and related institutions, for example, recently began a technical training programme organized by Hainan University focusing on fisheries and the blue economy.
Kong said the Maldives and China should continue combining their respective strengths to support development, including through cooperation in the blue economy, green development and digital technology.
He also referred to President Mohamed Muizzu’s development objectives and said the two countries’ development visions provide further opportunities for cooperation.
On international affairs, Kong said China and the Maldives share common ground on issues including inclusive development, common security, mutual learning between civilizations and global governance based on sovereign equality.
He said China’s approach was to promote a “community with a shared future for humanity” amid what Chinese President Xi Jinping has described as a period of global turbulence and transformation.
The reception concluded with Kong extending wishes for prosperity for China and the Maldives and for the continued friendship between the two countries.
