Ambassador: China will not get dragged into ‘local party game’

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong said on Monday that China has a no-interference policy when it comes to domestic affairs of bilateral partners, and will not get dragged into the rivalry between political parties in Maldives.

The remark comes after Ali Azim, the parliamentary group leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main ruling party of Maldives, accused China of secretly funding the opposition to stir up the Maldivian political arena.

In a tweet on Monday afternoon, Zhang said China has a long-standing policy against interfering in domestic affairs of foreign nations.

He said that China continues to observe its no-interference policy.

He said that China will not change its policy because someone may be making untrue claims or trying to drag them into political games between local parties.

The non-interference policy of China is time-tested and well observed, it wont change because of anyone making untrue claims or trying to dragging us into local party game.

If not aware of the position of Maldives gov. on this ties, click the link. https://t.co/UKJbjhMzyb

— Amb. Zhang Lizhong (@AmbassadorZhang) September 7, 2020

Ali Azim’s allegations against China come after the opposition accused the current Maldivian administration of attempting to “sell” Maldives to neighboring India, and allowing Indian military presence in the country – allegations which the Maldivian administration denies.

The opposition has staged rallies across Maldives over to protest against Indian influence, and has launched a social media campaign, the #IndiaOut movement.

Meanwhile, supporters of the MDP administration have launched a campaign to counter the movement, and defend Maldives-India relations.